12 Days of Christmas

I was recently at a gathering where we sang the old carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas."
I wouldn't count on our church singing this one any time soon... or ever.
But it's still a fun song of the Christmas season.

Like many, I've wondered what on earth that goofy song is really all about.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive story on its origins or meaning.

One theory is that it was written as a "catechism" song for teaching some of the major articles of the Christian faith around the "Christ-Mass" in the Catholic Church.  I'd like to think this is the case. 

Here is one version of the meaning of each verse.  No matter what the actually origins and variations of the song, this is pretty cool, and will make you think the next time you hear the song...

1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
5. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
6. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
8. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
10. The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
12. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.