12 Days of Christmas

The Philosophy behind the 12-Days-of-Christmas

All of us, since childhood are used to singing carols on the occasion of Christmas. While some of them will reveal their true meanings as you sing them, others have a hidden spiritual meaning to them. One of such carols is 12-Days-of-Christmas. Just for your information the 12 days commence on the day of Christmas, i.e. 25th October.

Here is the true meaning of this Christmas Carol!

My “True Love” Sent to “me”…….

The carol begins with the line, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me”. In this sentence “true love” and “me” hold a lot of significance. True love signifies “God” and me signifies “The Christian”.

Here on, we’ll help you understand the rest of the 12-days-of-Christmas:

One the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me………….

Day 1

A partridge in a pear tree…..

Here, the partridge refers to Jesus who is being sent by god (true love) to me (the Christian) in a pear tree, i.e. Mother Mary

Day 2

Two Turtle Doves…..

The Two turtle doves refer to the New and the Old Testaments, a witness to god’s arrival into the world to spread the message of the “divine” to everyone.

Day 3

Three French Hens…..

The three French hens tell about 3 of the most basic, yet the most divine of human virtues, the three pillars on which the “better” of the world stands. These are: Faith, Hope and Love.

Day 4

Four Calling Birds…..

The four calling birds refer to the four Gospels, i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The four tell us the story of Jesus’ arrival into the world and his surrender for the freedom of mankind from self (ego).

Day 5

Five Gold Rings…..

The five gold rings refer to the Old Testament’s first five books. These are collectively known as the Pentateuch or the Torah and individually known as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Day 6

Six Geese A-laying…..

Six Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation. They confess god as the creator and sustainer of existence.

Day 7

Seven Swans A-swimming…..

These refer to the seven gifts from the Holy Spirit i.e. Ministry, exhortation, teaching, leading, giving, and compassion.

Day 8

Eight Maids A-Milking…..

The eight Beatitudes, i.e.:

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit.
Those who mourn.
The Meek.
Those who thirst for righteousness.
The merciful.
The Pure in heart.
The Peace Makers.
Those Persecuted for their righteousness.

Day 9

Nine Ladies Dancing…..

The nine ladies refer to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness as well as self-control.

Day 10

Ten Lords A-leaping…..

The Ten Lords refer to the Ten Commandments.

Day 11

Eleven Pipers Piping…..

These eleven refer to the faithful apostles, i.e. Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Mathew, Thomas, James, Simon, Judas.

Day 12

Twelve Drummers Drumming…..

These refer to the twelve points of the doctrine of the Apostles’ Creed.

We hope you enjoyed reading this!