Merry 10^th Day of Christmas!

One of the trees in our display is “The Christian 12 Days of Christmas” tree. Growing up, the song The Twelve Days of Christmas never made much sense to me. I always thought it was just a fun, non-sensical song. The main thing I remember concerning it is the fact that I got extra credit on my high school chemistry first semester final my junior year for being able to name all of the gifts on the twelve days. To this day, I’m not sure if I actually got them all right, or if I got the 12 extra points for simply trying.

I don’t think I’m alone in having thought for years that the twelve days of Christmas referred to the twelve days leading up to and culminating in Christmas Day (full disclosure – I was not raised Lutheran). It added to the meaning when I realized that they actually start on Christmas Day. Then came the epiphany (sorry, couldn’t help myself) that the song could actually be used as a catechism tool with each numbered day corresponding to a point of Christian teaching.

I found the following information about the song. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is a traditional Christmas carol that has roots in both European and Christian traditions. The song itself is believed to have originated in England during the 18th century, though its exact origins are debated. Here’s a closer look at the history behind the Twelve Days of Christmas:

1. The Christian Tradition of the Twelve Days

The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Feast of Epiphany (January 6), which celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men or Magi to visit the newborn Jesus. In Christian liturgical traditions, each day is considered part of the festive Christmas season, with a specific focus on different aspects of the nativity story.

• December 25: Christmas Day — celebrating the birth of Jesus.
• December 26: St. Stephen’s Day — honoring the first Christian martyr.
• December 27: St. John the Apostle’s Day.
• December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents — remembering the children killed by King Herod.
• January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
• January 6: Epiphany — celebrating the visit of the Magi to the Christ child.

Each of the twelve days has religious significance, and in some cultures, gifts are exchanged on each of the twelve days, culminating in Epiphany.

2. The Origins of the Song

The song The Twelve Days of Christmas was first published in 1780 in England, though it is likely much older in oral tradition. The earliest printed version appeared in a children’s rhyme book titled Mirth Without Mischief. The song was originally intended as a memory-and-forfeits game, where each verse built upon the previous one. Players would take turns singing each verse, and if they forgot the words, they had to give a forfeit (such as a small prize).

The lyrics list a series of increasingly extravagant gifts given by “my true love” on each of the twelve days, with the final verse summarizing all the gifts. These gifts, such as “partridges in a pear tree” and “drummers drumming,” are symbolic, though interpretations of their meaning vary.

3. Symbolic Interpretations

The gifts in the song are often thought to have symbolic Christian meanings. Some of these interpretations include:

• A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Represents Jesus Christ, with the partridge symbolizing sacrifice and the pear tree representing the cross.
• Two Turtle Doves: Represent the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
• Three French Hens: Symbolize faith, hope, and charity.
• Four Calling Birds: Thought to represent the Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
• Five Gold Rings: Often interpreted as the five books of the Torah or the five wounds of Christ.
• Six Geese A-laying: Can symbolize the six days of creation or the six seasons of the liturgical year.
• Seven Swans A-swimming: Represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit or the seven sacraments.
• Eight Maids A-milking: Possibly represent the eight Beatitudes in the Christian tradition.
• Nine Ladies Dancing: Could symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• Ten Lords A-leaping: Might represent the Ten Commandments.
• Eleven Pipers Piping: Could symbolize the eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas).
• Twelve Drummers Drumming: Represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.

However, it is important to note that these interpretations are more modern than the original song, and some scholars argue that the gifts were simply a playful and nonsensical listing rather than having any deep symbolic meaning.

4. The Song’s Evolution

The song’s popularity grew over the years, and it has become one of the most well-known Christmas carols worldwide. Over time, the melody has evolved, with various versions appearing in different regions and cultures.

• Victorian Era: In the 19th century, the song became a part of Christmas traditions in the United States and the UK.
• 20th Century: In 1949, the song gained further popularity when it was recorded by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. This version of the song was a commercial hit, and its lighthearted style helped cement it as a Christmas classic.
• Modern Times: Today, The Twelve Days of Christmas is often performed by choirs, in concerts, and as part of Christmas events. It has also been adapted and parodied in various forms of media, from children’s television shows to pop culture references.

5. Fun Facts

• The Twelve Days of Christmas is often sung in a cumulative style, where each verse repeats all the previous gifts, making it longer and longer as the song progresses.
• The song has inspired many different versions, with humorous and creative renditions of the “gifts” often being created. For example, some parodies use more modern or absurd gifts like “three French fries” or “seven game consoles.”

6. Conclusion

The Twelve Days of Christmas carol reflects a blend of Christian tradition, European folk practices, and 18th-century English culture. Over time, it has become a staple of Christmas celebrations worldwide. While its religious meanings are often debated, it continues to be a festive, joyful reminder of the Christmas season’s enduring traditions.