12 Days of Christmas

A few years ago I stumbled across a children’s book that paired the twelve verses of the 12 days of Christmas with twelve basics of Christianity (I wrote them down and forgot to write the title of the book). After digging around I learned that some people believe that the Twelve Days of Christmas was a way to teach children their religious catechism through symbolism and song.  

Whether or not this story is true or modern folklore, the fact remains that you can easily pair each verse of this traditional Christmas tune with the most fundamental Christian teachings.  

The pairings are as follows  

1. A partridge in a pear tree: Jesus on the cross
2. Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
3. Three French hens: Faith, hope, and love
4. Four calling birds: The Four Gospels
5. Five gold rings: The Torah/Pentateuch, first five books of the Old Testament
6. Six geese a-laying: The six days of Creation
7. Seven swans a-swimming: Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. Eight maids a-milking: Eight Beatitudes
9. Nine ladies dancing: Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
10. Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments
11. Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful apostles
12. Twelve drummers drumming: Twelve points of the Apostles Creed