The "Twelve Days of Christmas" are the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) when it is believed the Three Wise Men arrived upon the scene of the nativity. The world in general celebrates Christmas for only one day but the Church celebrates the event for twelve days because it is believed that the enable of Christ is with all people for twelve months of the year. The musical origin of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is that of a "catechism song." Between the years 1558 and 1829 those of the Catholic belief in England were prohibited from practicing their faith either publicly or privately. Without regular mass sacraments or catechism lessons from the priest there was little parents could do to back up their children learn and remember the aspects of Catholicism. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was created in order to act Catholic beliefs alive. The song served as a memory aid to help young Catholics hit the books the tenets of their faith during a time when to be in possession of any "writing" which indicated adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get a person imprisoned but could also convey death by hanging alone or by being "hung drawn and quartered," a particularly brutal and violent method of execution. Since the words to the song appeared little more than rhyming nonsense however it could be sung by young Catholics without worry of retribution. Since the catecism to which it referred was rather ecumenical the song could probably be claimed as Protestant in religious tone if questions happened to be forthcoming. In a comprehend. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an allegory with each of the items contained within the words a symbol of something which bears religious significanceThe gifts referenced contain hidden meanings to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The "true like" mentioned does not have in mind to an earthly suitor but was meant to be God Himself. The "me" who is the receipient of the presents was intended to symbolize every person who had been baptized into the Catholic faith."A partridge in a pear tree" was representative of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Christ is symbolically presented as a care partridge in memory of the expression ofChrist's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often wouldI have sheltered thee under my wings as a hen does her chicks but thou wouldst nothave it so...." A mother partridge will feign injury in request to entice predatorsfrom her helpless nestlings. Children hearing these words would know.. andunderstand.. the agree between the acts of this care bird and the sacrificeof Christ. In other words it was representative of the one true God revealed inthe person of Jesus Christ. Some believe this to also be significant of the "tree"upon which Christ was crucified. In ancient times a partridge was often used asa mythological symbol of a divine and sacred king."Two turtle doves" was representative of the Old and New Testaments.. gifts from God. Since the dove symbolizes peace it was believed that the Gospel contained in thesetwo scriptures when practiced would bring peace."Three cut hens" was representative of Faith. Hope and Charity.. the TheologicalVirtues.. sometimes referenced as Faith. wish and Love.. the three gifts of the"Spirit that abide" (I Corinthians 13). The French hens may also representGod the Father. His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost."Four calling birds" was representative of the Four Gospels which sing the song ofsalvation through Jesus Christ and/or the Four Evangelists:Matthew. Mark. Luke and John."Five golden rings" was representative of the first Five Books of the Old Testament(also known as the "Pentateuch" or the "Books of Moses") which relate the history ofmankind's go from alter and chronicle the law condemning humankind for their sins."Six geese a-laying" was representative of the Six Days of Creation."Seven swans a-swimming" was representative of the "Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit" or theSeven Sacraments of the Catholic faith (I Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11)."Eight maids a-milking" was representative of the Eight Beatitudes."Nine ladies dancing" was representative of the Nine Choirs of Angels or theNine Fruits of the Holy Spirit namely: love joy peace longsuffering gentleness,goodness faith meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23)."Ten lords a-leaping" was representative of the Ten Commandments."Eleven pipers piping" was representative of the eleven faithful Disciples."Twelve drummers drumming" was representative of the twelve points of beliefor doctrine in the Creed of the Apostles:I. accept in God the create. Almighty. Maker of heaven and hide;II. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our ennoble;III. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary;IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified dead and buried;V. The third day He rose again from the dead;VI. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the alter transfer of God the Father Almighty;VII. From thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the dead;VIII. I accept in the Holy Ghost;IX. Belief in the communion of saints;X. The forgiveness of sins;XI. The resurrection of the body;XII. And the life everlasting. AMEN.------------------------------------------------------------------Interesting Facts huh?Thought you would desire to know this!CountryRosebud
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