The 12 Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Caroling has been a part of Christmas for far longer than most of us realize. It became especially popular during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Feast of the Twelve Nights. Beginning on Christmas Day, many people took time away from work and school to celebrate the season. Unfortunately, it often became less about worship and more about excess and heavy drinking. (That much hasn’t really changed for some, has it?)

The poor, however, didn’t have much with which to celebrate. They discovered that by going to the homes of the wealthy and singing, they could receive food or small gifts. Over time, if nothing was given, the singers might prank their host. This is how caroling developed—and why some households kept mulled cider or treats on hand.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” reflects that historical setting. During times when people were unable to express their faith openly—whether for political or religious reasons—songs sometimes used ordinary, secular imagery to communicate Christian truths. That is why “The Twelve Days of Christmas”appears so worldly on the surface. Its religious meaning is hidden beneath the lyrics.

During each day of the feast, Christians were encouraged to meditate on these themes:

• 1 partridge in a pear tree — The one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

• 2 turtle doves — The Old and New Testaments

• 3 French hens — Faith, hope, and love

• 4 calling birds — The four Gospels

• 5 gold rings — The first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch)

• 6 geese a-laying — The six days of creation

• 7 swans a-swimming — The sevenfold gifts of the Spirit (Isaiah 11)

• 8 maids a-milking — The Beatitudes

• 9 ladies dancing — The fruit of the Spirit

• 10 lords a-leaping — The Ten Commandments

• 11 pipers piping — The eleven faithful disciples

• 12 drummers drumming — The Apostles’ Creed

When understood this way, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” takes on an entirely new meaning. What sounds like a simple—and even silly—song becomes a reminder of the core truths of the Christian faith, passed along through melody when open confession was difficult.