Is there truth behind ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’?

By Carrie Moore

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the Christmas carols. I can remember learning the songs in elementary school and performing them for our parents during concerts. However, there was always one carol that baffled me — ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’
What in the world do French hens and swimming swans have to do with Christmas? Why were the lords leaping? Why won’t the partridge come out of the tree? And what sane woman would want all these gifts? Just give me the five golden rings, and we’ll call it good!
It wasn’t until high school — thanks to a dramatic English teacher who believed everything had a hidden meaning for something else — when I learned more about the symbolism of the song.
From 1558 until 1829, many in England, Ireland, France and Spain were not allowed to openly practice their faith. During that era, someone wrote this carol as a way for children to understand religion, without being too open about the topic.
The partridge in a pear tree symbolized Jesus. Two turtledoves represented the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stand for faith, love and hope. The four calling birds represent the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Five golden rings recalled the Torah, otherwise known as Law — the first five books of the Old Testament. Six geese-a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy. Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. Ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments. Eleven pipers piping stood for the 11 faithful disciples. And finally, the 12 drummers drumming represent the 12 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
There’s been much speculation about this myth for years. Some believe the song was created to help children count.
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