…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

I recently saw a plate proclaiming in the center, The 12 Days of Christmas, surrounded by cartoon-like caricatures of turtle doves, maids, pipers, and all the rest. The plate was pretty, colorful and stylish, in a whimsical sort of way. It suggested a light hearted, trivial approach to an arbitrary rhyme set to a random number–in a song. If they only knew…

To understand the inspiration for the writing of such a limerick, we have to go way back to 567. The Council of Tours met to discuss and address issues of the church. Amidst the many considerations, establishing the date of Epiphany was of the most importance. For good reasons, such as emphasizing the number twelve, the 6th of January was chosen, thereby making official the 12 days of Christmas. They wrote, "the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany is a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent fasting in preparation for the feast." From this not-so-humble beginning rose prayer, song and rhyme extolling the Holy Season of the Child.

In 1780, a copy of French song lyrics (without music) were printed in England, in a local paper. The song was quickly put to music of many and varying types which led to the tune we know. Derived from a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin, this became the standard that lasted the ages. But, what does it all mean?

Underneath the colorful imagery of brides and French hens lies a code of sorts, common images linked to profound Christian truths. The Monks who are attributed with writing this poem-song, were hiding faith in plain sight. A teaching tool and a clandestine proclamation, the 12 Days of Christmas would be said and sung, even as it is today, proclaiming Jesus even by those who didn’t know it.
 
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on the first day of Christmas. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge, the only bird that will die to protect its young.

Two Turtledoves
These twin birds represent the Old and New Testaments. So, in this gift, the singer finds the complete story of the Christian faith and God’s plan for the world. The doves are the biblical roadmap that is available to everyone.

Three French Hens
These birds represent faith, hope, and love. This gift hearkens back to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter written by the Apostle Paul. It also represents the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Four Calling Birds
One of the easiest facets of the song’s code to figure out these fowl are the four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
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Five Gold Rings
The gift of the rings represents the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,   Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Six Geese a-Laying
These lyrics can be traced back to the first story found in the Bible. Each “egg” is a day in Creation when God “hatched” or formed the world.
1.    God created the heavens and the earth
2.    God created the sky and seas
3.    God created the land and plants
4.    God created the sun, moon, and stars
5.    God created fish and birds
6.    God created land animals and man
  
7. Seven Swans a-Swimming
It would take someone quite familiar with the Bible to identify this gift. Hidden in the code are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy,  Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, Compassion. As swans are one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures on earth, they would seem to be a perfect symbol for spiritual gifts.

8. Eight Maids-a-Milking
As Christ came to save even the lowest of the low, this gift represents the ones who would receive his word and accept his grace. Being a milkmaid was about the worst job one could have in England during this period; this code conveyed that Jesus cared as much about servants as he did those of royal blood. The Eight Maids represent the eight Beatitudes, from Matthew 5:3-10:
Blessed are…
1.    The poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2.    Those who mourn:  for they shall be comforted.
3.    The meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
4.    Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness:  for they shall be filled.
5.    The merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6.    The pure in heart: for they shall see God.
7.    The peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
8.    They which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

9. Nine Ladies Dancing
These nine dancers were really the gifts known as the fruit of the Spirit. The Fruits of the Spirit include: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,    Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

10. Ten Lords a-Leaping
This is probably the easiest gift to understand. As lords were judges and in charge of the law, this code for the Ten Commandments was fairly straightforward to Christians.
1.    Thou shall have no other gods before me
2.    Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3.    Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4.    Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy
5.    Honor thy father and mother
6.    Thou shalt not kill
7.    Thou shalt not commit adultery
8.    Thou shalt not steal
9.    Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10.  Thou shalt not covet

11. Eleven Pipers Piping
This is almost a trick question, as most think of the disciples in terms of the dozen. But when Judas betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, only eleven men carried out the gospel message. Therefore, the Eleven Pipers Piping signify the 11 Faithful Disciples: Simon (whom He named Peter),  Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon, who was called the Zealot,  Judas, son of James, and faithful Matthias, his replacement.

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming
The final gift is tied directly to the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. The drummers are the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. 
1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
5. He descended into hell. On the third day, He rose again.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and the life everlasting.

It is a joy to know that as we sing and hear the 12 Days of Christmas we are participating in the proclamation of life and salvation through Jesus Christ!

Praying you are having a blessed Christmas season,

Fr. Bill†