Radio Transcript

 
LIFE ISSUES NO. 1665

 THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
 

 Here's an interesting one, folks.  I'm told it's true.  I'll report it to you as such.  From the year 1558 to 1829, the Roman Catholic Church in England was forbidden to openly practice their faith.  Members of the Church developed ways to communicate their gift of faith in a coded song known as The Twelve Days of Christmas.  Listed below are the various explanations of the symbols.

 The twelve days were from December 25 (Christmas) until January 6 (Epiphany).  The "true love" referred to God.  The repetition of the melody signified God's continual renewal of His gifts.

 A partridge is a symbol of Christ.  The partridge will feign injury to protect nestlings who are defenseless, just as we are before Satan without Christ.

 A pear tree is the symbol of the salvation of humanity, just as the apple tree signified human downfall.

 Two turtle doves symbolize the Old Testament sacrifice offered by even the poorest of people.

 Three French hens, valued for their beauty and rarity, symbolize the gifts of the three wise men and the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.

 Four calling birds represent the four major prophets and the four evangelists, the former announcing His coming and the latter proclaiming His message.

 Five golden rings represent the perfect circle of faith:  God's love for us, our love for God and our love for each other.  The number five refers to the five obligatory sacraments and the five books of the Bible which make up the Pentateuch, also known as the Law.

 Six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation.

 Seven swans a-swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven works of mercy.  The number seven is the number of perfection.

 Eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes as well as the eight times during the year that were prescribed at that time for the reception of the Eucharist.

 Nine ladies dancing are the nine ranks of angel choirs and the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

 Ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments.

 Eleven pipers piping are the eleven apostles proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus.

 Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament and the twelve points of the Apostles Creed.  It refers also to the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Apostles; twelve represents completeness and fairness.

 So, if that's where the song came from, that's interesting.  It's entirely theological.  I think I'll remember that in a few more weeks when we sing that around the piano.
 

[11/21/97]