The Twelve Days of Christmas
It seems that this song actually began with Catholics in England as one of the ways they taught the faith to their children during the period (1558-1829) they were forbidden to practice their religion.Partridge stands for Christ, who gather's His own under His wings--- God's first gift.
Two Turtle Doves the sacrifice of the Jewish family at the birth of a son; the two Testaments of the Bible.
Three French Hens the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, myrrh); the persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); faith, hope, love.
Four Calling Birds the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Five Golden Rings the first five books of the Old Testament, the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
Six Geese suggest the six days of the week when humanity labors
Seven Swans the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe)
Eight Maids the people saved in the Ark; the eight beatitudes
Nine Ladies the fruits of the Spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, begninity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, chastity/continence); the nine ranks of angels
Ten Lords stand for the Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers the 11 apostles who were faithful
Twelve Drummers the articles of the Apostles Creed; the gates of heaven; the 12 tribes of Israel
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