The History of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Jesus Christ on the Cross!
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
As a young Christian I have always wondered about how long it took the wise
Men to come to the place, where Baby Jesus was!
The 12 days of Christmas is the period that in Christian theology marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings' Day). The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.
As a young Christian I have always wondered about how long it took the wise
Men to come to the place, where Baby Jesus was!
The 12 days of Christmas is the period that in Christian theology marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings' Day). The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.
It can all be a bit overwhelming; But I think sometimes it
Can help us realize there is more to the story!
I also learned some of these facts from wikipedia.com,
I remember as a child many of the families in our neighborhood,
Always left their Christmas tree and decorations up well into
January...
Most of my friends were from the Catholic or Lutheran Dedominations.
I just heard my grandson say its so weird that right after Christmas,
It all just ends!
Well, I guess we find that after we have had our Christmas stuff up
Since right after Thanksgiving, we get tired of having it up!
Personally, I always feel a bit sad that it all ends so quickly!
I may just leave it all up for a while longer this year!!
This is all really quite interesting, But we can take it or leave it!
Just A Thought...
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I get sad it ends too! All the prettiness of the lights and music. We take our Christmas down around January 6th because we like to procrastinate. Lol
ReplyDeleteI had heard the same story about the twelve days of Christmas and found it very interesting. I confess, I took the tree down today. The kids put it up before Thanksgiving when they were visiting and I always like to have the house in order before the new year begins. Because my back only lets me do a little each day before I have to sit down again, I started with the tree today. It will take me all week to get everything put away. I always leave my three small nativities out through at least January and usually February too. Seeing them is a great reminder for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I am so glad you shared all of this, Roxy. It's interesting to know the meaning behind traditions that have been around for so many years...and why they were started. I take things down gradually after Christmas. If feels like such a let-down to strip it all away at once. I understand it's just "stuff", and we are to keep Jesus in our hearts... it's nice to have those physical reminders, too. Not for idol worship...just for some extended coziness, and echoes of the holiday season as we take a step into the New Year with fervent expectation of what God has in store for us. Love to you, my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteWe always left our up until into new year Roxy, and think thats really good. Love it myself. I had not heard the tale of twelve days of Christmas though.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas to you Roxy, although belatedly.
Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you.
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
This was so interesting and I am so happy that you shared this. This year I took my time doing my Christmas decorations since I hosted Thanksgiving at my house. I plan on taking my time putting away everything sometime in January. Wishing you a happy new year Roxy.
ReplyDelete