Christian Education

 

The 12 Days of Christmas Song

 

This song began as a way for Catholics in England to teach the faith to their children during the period when they were forbidden to practice their religion (1558-1829)

 

The PARTRIDGE stands for Christ, who gathers his own under his wings – God’s finest gift.

 

2 TURTLE DOVES represent the sacrifice given from the Jewish family at the birth of a son, or the Old and New Testaments.

 

3 FRENCH HENS symbolize the gifts of the Magi, the 3 persons of the Trinity or the gifts of faith, hope and love.

 

4 CALLING BIRDS remind us of the 4 Evangelists.

 

5 GOLDEN RINGS suggest the first 5 books of the Old Testament, the Torah.

 

6 GEESE A-LAYING suggest the 6 days of the week when we labor.

 

7 SWANS A-SWIMMING remind us of the seven gifts of the Spirit.

 

8 MAIDS A –MILKING represent the people saved in the Ark or the 8 Beatitudes.

 

9 LADIES DANCING represent the fruits of the Spirit, or the 9 ranks of angels.

 

10 LORDS A –LEAPING stands for the 10 commandments.

 

11 PIPERS PIPING are the 11 apostles who were faithful.

 

12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING remind us of the articles of the Apostle’s Creed, the gates of heaven, or the tribes of Israel.