yesterday in our sunday school class, we learned something very interesting and something which i didn't know about...the twelve days of christmas. i had no idea what exactly this "silly" song was about other than receiving a bunch of stuff such as ten lords a leaping, and nine ladies dancing, etc. but in fact, the twelve days of christmas actually contain hidden reference to the basic teachings of the christian faith. i found it extremely fascinating learning what each "gift" meant and its reference to the bible. here is what i'm talking about...
religious symbolism of the twelve days of christmas:
- my true love refers to god
- first day - a partridge in a pear tree refers to christ
- second day - two turtle doves refers to the old and new testaments
- third day - three french hens refers to faith, hope, and love (the theological virtues)
- fourth day - four calling birds refers to the four gospels (matthew, mark, luke and john)
- fifth day - five golden rings refers to the first five books of the old testament known as the torah (genesis, exodus, leviticus, numbers, and deuteronomy)
- sixth day - six geese a laying refers to the six days of creation
- seventh day - seven swans a swimming refers to the seven gifts of the holy spirit
- eight day - eight maids a milking refers to the eight "be attitudes"
- ninth day - nine ladies dancing refers to the nine fruits of the holy spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)
- tenth day - ten lords a leaping refers to the ten commandments
- eleventh day - eleven pipers piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
- twelfth day -twelve drummers drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the apostle's creed.
talk about a new appreciation for a song that usually drives me crazy. hope you learned something new, too.
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