This time of year we here the song "12 Days of Christmas" all the time. Almost to the point where it becomes annoying. However, there is so much more to the song than a partridge in a pear tree. Here are the true meanings:
The lyrics to this well known song were used to teach children church doctrine during the 16th century in England. Everything was symbolic and had meaning.
1st Day of Christmas: a Partridge in a pear tree. A partridge is a small bird. It symbolizes Jesus sent from heaven to earth. {See John 3:16} A partridge is known to be willing to fight to the death of needed to defend its children. Its willingness to die is the tie to Christ. The pear tree is the symbol of the cross. {See John 10:14-15}
2nd Day of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves. In ancient and olden times, many Jewish families gave turtle doves as offerings and tithes to the Lord. The two turtle doves reminds of the sacrificed offered for Jesus by his parents, Mary and Joseph. Some say that the two turtle doves also represent the Old and New Testament.
{See Luke 2:22, 24}
3rd Day of Christmas: Three French Hens. During the 16th century, only the rich could afford French hens. These three expensive birds are the representation of the three gifts of the magi: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. All three of the gifts were very costly and valuable.
{Matthew 2:10-11}
4th Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds. The calling birds symbolize the four gospels and their writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Their writings spread the news of Jesus Christ.
5th Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings. Gold rings are very valuable. The rings in the carol symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament or the Torah : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy. These books are highly valued and important to believers of God.
6th Day of Christmas: Six Geese a Laying. Many cultures use eggs as the symbol of new life. The six geese a laying reminds us of the 6 days of creation found in Genesis 1.
7th Day of Christmas: Seven Swans a Swimming. The seven swans represent the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit. Baby swans change from "ugly ducklings" to beautiful birds. Christians change and grow through the the Holy Spirit. {See Romans 12:6-8}
8th Day of Christmas: Eight Maids a Milking symbolize the teachings we call the Beatitudes. Christ taught about them from the Sermon on the Mount. {See Matthew 5:3-12}
9th Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing are symbols of the Fruits of the Spirit. Just like the ladies dance with joy, we to can be full of joy when we live by the fruits of the spirit. {see Galatians 5:22-23}
10th Day of Christmas: Ten Lords a Leaping symbolizes the 10 Commandments. Lords were men who commanded people's obedience. {see Exodus 20:3-17}
11th Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping represents the 11 apostles chosen by Jesus who whole heartedly followed Him. We to should be disciples following the Lord praising Him with great joy. {see Mark 3:16-19}
12th Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming. Drummers make a loud beat and steady rhythm for marchers to follow. The apostles creed set forth beliefs that Christians believe. In the Apostles Creed there are 12 vital points made.
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