Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

What Do the Twelve Days of Christmas Actually Mean?

There is more to the Twelve Days of Christmas than gifts.

Loren Makhoul

Dec 26, 2016

University of North Georgia

What Do the Twelve Days of Christmas Actually Mean?

Free Chirtian Wallpapers

There is always so much excitement in the media and by retailers for the holidays and the Christmas season. This year, Walmart and many other retailers had their Christmas decorations out before their Halloween decorations and Christmas movies were playing on television stations the day after Halloween. The build-up for the holiday season is huge, but it seems that on December 26^th, no one cares anymore-- decorations are put away and stores are ready for Valentine’s Day. But it is only the second day of the true Christmas season.

Those who were Roman Catholic were not able to practice their faith in England from 1558 to 1829, so instead someone created the old Christmas carol we all know, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This song was then used to hide their true meaning behind the song and teach young Catholics who were learning the catechism, so they could celebrate and worship the Lord without the public knowing their true meaning behind it.

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Jesus Christ, the one who was born on Christmas Day to love and save us all.

2. Two Turtle Doves

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the Old and New Testaments, so we can read the Word every day, listen to the Lord’s teachings and apply them to our everyday lives.

3. Three French Hens

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, faith, hope and love.

4. Four Calling Birds

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are the gospels that begin the New Testament, each speaking of Jesus’ life and resurrection in their own point of views.

5. Five Golden Rings

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The first five books of the Old Testament where man falls into sin, but is saved by the love of God by sending our Savior, Jesus.

6. Six Geese A-Laying

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six days of creation of our magnificent world.

7. Seven Swans A-Swimming

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Encouragement, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

8. Eight Maids A-Milking

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the eight beatitudes, signifying Jesus’ famous sermon on Mount Sinai.

9. Nine Ladies Dancing

On the nineth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the Holy Spirit’s nine fruits: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty and Chastity.

10. Ten Lords A-Leaping

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the Ten Commandments.

11. Eleven Pipers Piping

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the faithful eleven Apostles: Simon, who is called Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus and Simon

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the twelve points of The Apostles’ Creed.

The Twelve Days of Christmas are just beginning, don't forget the Christmas season lasts longer than what is advertised on television.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

114776

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

160445

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

What Do the Twelve Days of Christmas Actually Mean?

There is more to the Twelve Days of Christmas than gifts.

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree

2. Two Turtle Doves

3. Three French Hens

4. Four Calling Birds

5. Five Golden Rings

6. Six Geese A-Laying

7. Seven Swans A-Swimming

8. Eight Maids A-Milking

9. Nine Ladies Dancing

10. Ten Lords A-Leaping

11. Eleven Pipers Piping

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Lifestyle

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter