The Catholic Significance of the Twelve Days of Christmas

By Carissa Krautscheid

Many people might not realize the spiritual significance of the song,  The Twelve Days of Christmas. It is imbued with hidden meanings that were intended to be understood by Catholics during a time of persecution. Sixteenth-century England outlawed the teaching of the Catholic faith and forced the Church underground. Clerics at the time composed a poem, which later became a carol that aligned with celebrating the traditional 12 days of Christmas, which begin the day after Christmas and continue until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Each element of the song represents an important facet of the Catholic faith, gifts given to us by our True Love, Jesus.

The  partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ because this particular bird is willing to sacrifice its life to protect its young.

Two turtle doves stand for the Old and New Testaments, which tell the complete story and biblical road map of the Judeo-Christian faith and God’s plan for the world.

Three French hens represent faith, hope, and love, hearkening back to Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

The  four calling birds are the Gospel writers: Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Five golden rings stand for the first five books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch.

Six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation when the world was formed by God.

The  seven swans a-swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, wonder and awe, knowledge, and piety.

Eight maids a-milking includes two themes; first, the eight Beatitudes: blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Secondly, the milkmaids represent the lowly whom Jesus loves and came to save.

The  nine ladies dancing represent the fruits of the Holy Spirits as described in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, self-control, and gentleness.

Ten lords a-leaping stand for the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful Apostles.

And finally, the  twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Catholics at the time understood these hidden messages within the Christmas carol. They found a way to practice the rich Catholic faith despite the unaccepting society around them. This year as Christmas carols resound, remember these 12 facets of the Catholic faith, hidden in a well-known song. Take heart from the Catholics of the past and have the courage to live your faith boldly.