1. The Twelve Days of Christmas The old English Christmas Carol is more than a pretty tune with strange gifts!

2.  From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  The song was written to teach young Catholics about their faith in secret.  The hidden meanings of the song’s gifts were intended to help the children remember lessons of their faith.

3.  The twelve days of Christmas refer to the Christmas season which begins on Christmas Day (the first day of Christmas).  Christmas is not just a day, it is an entire season like Advent, Lent or Easter.  Traditionally the Christmas Season lasted twelve days and ended on the Solemnity of Epiphany when the wisemen came bearing gifts for Jesus.

4. Instead of referring to an earthly love, the “true love” mentioned in the song refers to God!

5. The me who receives the gifts in the song is a symbol for every person!

6. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

7. Represent the Old and the New Testaments. Two Turtle Doves

8. Faith, Hope and Charity The Theological Virtues Three French Hens

9. The Gospels written by the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Four Calling Birds

10. The five books of the Old Testament (sometimes called the Pentateuch), which give the history of our fall from grace. Five Golden Rings

11. The six days of Creation Six geese-a-laying

12. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Seven Swans-a-swimming

13. The eight beatitudes Eight Maids-a-Milking

14. The Eight Beatitudes  Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.  Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

15. Nine Ladies Dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (our current Catechism of the Catholic Church lists twelve fruits): charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self- control, chastity

16. Ten Lords-a-Leaping The Ten Commandments

17. Ten Commandments 1. Thou shall have no other gods before me. 2. Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image. 3. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5. Honour thy father and thy mother. 6. Thou shall not kill. 7. Thou shall not commit adultery. 8. Thou shall not steal. 9. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 10. Thou shall not covet.

18. Eleven Pipers Piping The eleven faithful disciples

19. Twelve Drummers Drumming The twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

20. Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; (1st) And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; (2nd) Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, (3rd) Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died, and was buried. (4th) He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; (5th) He ascended into Heaven, And is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;(6th) From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.(7th) I believe in the Holy Spirit, (8th) The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion of Saints, (9th) The forgiveness of sins, (10th) The resurrection of the body, (11th) And life everlasting. Amen. (12th)