History
So, how did the idea of 12 days begin? Why not the Ten Days of Christmas or the Fourteen Days of Christmas? It all goes back to the early 4th century Christian church, which believed that January 6 (Epiphany) is the date that Christ was baptized, representing the birth of Jesus’ soul. This was more important than December 25th (the Winter Solstice at the time). It took a few hundred years; but, by the 6th century, the Christian emperor, Justinian, proclaimed Christmas as a public holiday, with 8 days of feasting. Then, by the 9th century, King Alfred of England increased the celebration from 8 days to 12 days. He declared December 25th – January 6th, with the twelfth day falling on January 6. Note: This means the actual night would be the day before on January 5.
As with all cultures, as the king or society prospers, so do the celebrations. This held true for Christmas also. The Middles Ages was the peak era for celebrating Christmas. Then in 17th century England, Oliver Cromwell, under the Puritan Commonwealth, overthrew the king and totally abolished Christmas!
Slowly, Christmas returned to society during the Restoration period, but not in such a gala manner as during the Middle Ages. It wasn’t until the end of the 18th century in England that a growing interest developed for the past, one of them being the Twelve Days (of Christmas celebrations). By the time the Industrial Revolution hit England, the Twelve Days came to a decline due to the increase in work days. No one had time for 12 days of celebration any more.
Symbolism
There are differing viewpoints on what The Twelve Days of Christmas represent. They vary from cultural, social, political to religious. Symbolism is often used as a teaching tool, especially in religious context. So here is the religious symbolism (often attributed to Catholicism):
* The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ who died on a structure made from the wood of a tree. In ancient times a partridge was often used as mythological symbol of a divine, sacred king.
* Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. Doves symbolize peace and the Gospel contained in these scriptures, when practiced, brings peace.
* Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love – the three gifts of the Spirit that abide. Ths could also represent God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
* The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.
* The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
* The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
* Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit (Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy). (I Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11)
* The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
* Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22)
* The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
* The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
* The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
I. Believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
II. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
III. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried:
V. The third day He rose again from the dead:
VI. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
VII. From thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the dead:
VIII. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
IX. Belief in the communion of saints:
X. The forgiveness of sins:
XI. The resurrection of the body:
XII. And the life everlasting. AMEN
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol. Have a blessed Christmas!!!!!
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