Catholic Symbolism Hidden in “The 12 Days of Christmas”

The 12 Days of Christmas is a well known children’s song this time of year. What is little known, is the fact that this song was intended to secretly (and bravely) catechize children in the Roman Catholic faith, under English rule. The twelve days are from Christmas Day to January 6th, the Epiphany, or the day the three magi came to adore the baby Jesus.

Background: Queen Elizabeth I, had forbidden the Roman Catholic faith. Priests offering mass and anyone attending mass were sentenced to a gruesome death! Gives a new perspective on the privilege of being able to go to mass when we please. Additionally, Catholics were stripped of their rights in England and the thirteen colonies until 1829! 

Below is a high-level overview of the symbolism hidden in the Twelve Days of Christmas. For more information, see Celebrating A Merry Catholic Christmas, by Fr. William Saunders.

Catholic Symbolism In The 12 Days of Christmas

My True Love: God

Me: Any baptized Catholic

Partridge In A Pear Tree: Jesus on the cross

Pear Tree: Jesus’s Cross

Two Turtle Doves: Mary and Joseph gave two turtle doves when presenting baby Jesus at the temple for the first time. This event is Commemorated by the Candlemas celebration on February 2nd.

Three French Hens: Three Theological Virtues: Faith, hope and charity. Also, the three gifts of the magi: Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Four Calling Birds: Four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance; four gospels; four major prophets; four mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious.

Five Golden Rings: God’s pure and never ending love for us. First five books in the Old Testament. 

Six Geese A-laying: Six days of creation in Genesis.

Seven Swans A-swimming: Seven sacraments, seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seventh day of rest in Genesis. Seven is also symbolic of perfection. 

Eight Maids A-milking: The eight beatitudes from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount.

Nine Ladies Dancing: The nine choir of angels.

Ten Lords A-leaping: Ten Commandments.

Eleven Pipers Piping: Jesus’s eleven faithful apostles.

Twelve Drummers Drumming: The twelve gifts of the Holy Spirit: Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self control and chastity. 

Sincerely,

Laura