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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
Why 12 Drummers Drumming on the Twelfth Day of Christmas? The 12 drummers represent the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed. Apostles’ Creed (New translation for Catholic Church, effective Nov. 2011) I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;...
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On the Eleventh Day of Christmas
Why Eleven Pipers Piping on the Eleventh Day of Christmas? The eleven pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles: Simon Peter, James the Great, John, Simon (the Zealot), Jude (a.k.a. Thaddeus), Andrew, James the Less, Matthew, Phillip, Bartholomew, and Thomas. On the Twelfth Day of...
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On the Tenth Day of Christmas
Why Ten Lords a leaping on the Tenth Day of Christmas? The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments. It is always a good time to have a refresher on that list, so here it is: 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 4. Honor thy father and...
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On the Ninth Day of Christmas
Why ladies dancing on the Ninth Day of Christmas? The nine ladies dancing represent the nine choirs of angels. Here they are in ascending order: Angels Archangels Principalities Powers Virtues Dominations Thrones Cherubim Seraphim On the Tenth Day of...
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On the Eighth Day of Christmas
Why maids a-milking on the Eighth Day of Christmas? This is to recall the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the...
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On the Seventh Day of Christmas
Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas? Seven Swans a-Swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom Understanding Counsel Fortitude Knowledge Piety Fear of the Lord The seven swans also represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic faith: Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Penance Extreme Unction Holy Orders Matrimony On the Eighth Day of...
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On The Sixth Day of Christmas
Why Six Geese a-laying on the Sixth Day of Christmas? Six Geese a-Laying represent the six days of creation: 1st Day: Creation of light and its separation from darkness 2nd Day: Creation of the firmament and division of the waters 3rd Day: Collection of waters (sea) and formation of dry land (earth); creation of plants according to their own likeness 4th Day: Creation of heavenly bodies in the firmament (sun, moon, and stars)5th Day: Creation of sea creatures...
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On the Fifth Day of Christmas
Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith On the Sixth Day of...
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On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Why four Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale On the Fifth Day of...
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On the Third Day of Christmas
Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. On the Fourth Day of Christmas...
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On the Second Day of Christmas
Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. On the Third Day of Christmas...
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On the First Day of Christmas
There is a misconception that the twelve days of Christmas are those days that lead up to December 25. Not true! Today, Christmas Day, is the first day of Christmas! The 12 days go through the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Twelfth Day.” In the olden, golden days, the twelve days of Christmas were a period of joyful prayer and a rest from unnecessary labor. Christmas tree lights would be lit and families would gather around...