The Meaning Behind The 12 Days Of Christmas Song

We hear “The 12 Days of Christmas” song everywhere around Christmas. Stores are playing it, houses are playing it. But have you ever wondered what the lyrics mean? Here is the meaning and history behind “The 12 Days of Christmas” song.

History

The twelve days in the song refer to Christianity. The twelve days of Christmas begins on Christmas day when Jesus Christ was born, to January 6th, when the wise men came. ^[1]

Lyrics Meaning

Each gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” represents something of the Christian faith.

• The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
• The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testament.
• The three French hens are faith, hope, and charity, the theological virtues.
• The four calling birds are the four gospels.
• The five golden rings are the first five books of the Old Testament, also the Books of Law.
• The six geese a-laying are the six days of creation.
• The seven swans a-swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments.
• The eight maids a-milking are the beatitudes.
• The nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• The ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments.
• The eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful apostles.
• The twelve drummers drumming are the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

Now when you hear “The Twelve Days of Christmas” playing, you’ll know the meaning behind it.