The 12 Days of Christmas

     From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.   Someone during that period of time wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
     It has two levels of meanings:  the surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to their church members.
     Each element in the carol has a cod word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testament.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five gold rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation,
Seven swans a-swimming represented the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
Eight maids a-milking were the each beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
Ten lords a-leaping were the 10 commandments.
The 11 pipers piping stood fro the 11 faithful disciples.
The 12 drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed.

Now when you hear this carol you can think of the hidden meaning.