The time from 1558 until 1829, religions in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song, each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which children would remember.
- The partridge in a pear tree was
Jesus Christ.
- Two turtle doves were the
Old and New Testament
- Three French hens stood for
faith, hope and love.
- The four calling birds were the four gospels of
Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
- The five golden rings recalled
Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
- The six geese a-laying stood for
the six days of creation.
- The seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy
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- The eight maids a-milking were
eight beatitudes.
- Nine ladies dancing were the
nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self Control
- 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 Apostlesą Creed.
As you sing this carol this Christmas season, keep in mind the meaning behind the words
as a renewal of faith for the new year ahead. Have a joyous holiday season!
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