Regardless of where you are, you will always remember the Christmas holidays. Even though you are not a religious Christian, you will take a moment of silence to give respect to this season of kindness and love. It has been part of every Christmas to sing yuletide carols. Unlike the usual music that we hear every day, Christmas songs are considered as unforgettable classics of our times. Thus, the origin of each music composition would always interest us. One of these songs is "The 12 Days of Christmas".
When King Henry VIII began Protestantism in England, Catholics were banned from professing their own religious beliefs. Not only that it was treated a Taboo but also it was considered as a crime against the state. Even the simplest possession of the Bible is dealt with violently. Nevertheless, Catholics bravely yet silently worshipped incognito.
On these tough times for Catholics, The Twelve Days of Christmas was born. It was originally thought as front for Catholicism to teach children however no evidence proved this accusation so even the Protestants and other non-Catholic believers had begun singing it. The carol was made carefully to contain symbols that signified certain meanings. Even the slightest implication was avoided when writing the lyrics of the song to prevent suspicions of the Catholics delightedly singing it.
Christmas is celebrated across the globe within 12 days. It starts on Christmas day and ends on January 6, the day Epiphany is celebrated. So let's crack the code that fooled the Protestant king and his loyal servants.
In the song God was referred to as the "true love" while the Catholic devotes were referred to as the singer ("me"). The song goes, On the first day of Christmas my true love game to me.
1. A "partridge in a pear tree"-this line refers to Jesus who gave his life for us by dying on the cross. A partridge was commonly used those days to refer to a divine king.
2. "Two turtle doves"-this line refers to the two testaments of the Bible, the Old and the New Testaments while doves represent peace.
3. "Three French hens"-these refer to the three gifts of the Holy Spirit, faith, love and hope. Sometimes this line can also refer to the Holy Trinity, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
4. "Four calling birds"-these refer to the New Testament's four Gospels, Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.
5. "Five golden rings"-this line refers to the Bible's first five books referred to as Pentateuch.
6. "Six geese a-laying"-refers to the number of days that everything is created.
7. "Seven swans a swimming"-refers to the save gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. "Eight maids a milking"-refers to the teachings of Jesus, the eight Beatitudes.
9. "Nine ladies dancing"-refers to the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. "Ten lords a leaping" refers to the Bible's Ten Commandments.
11. "Eleven pipers piping"-refers to Jesus' faithful disciples
12. "Twelve drummers drumming"-refers to the twelve articles of the Apostle's creed.
The next time you listen to this Christmas song, for sure that you will be able to appreciate it more.
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