From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in Europe were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone wrote the carol as a catechism song for the children. The words have a coded meaning, which helped the children to learn and remember the religious doctrine.
- The partridge in the pear tree was Jesus Christ.
- Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
- Three French hens represented faith, hope and love.
- Four calling birds were the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
- Five golden rings were reminders of the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
- Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
- Seven swans a-swimming represented the seven gifts from the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
- 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.
- Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
- Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
- Twelve drummers drumming represented the twelve points of belief of the Apostles' Creed.
1 comment:
That's very interesting, I would have never known. Where'd you find this out at?
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