As we approach the holiday season, many of us start to hear the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas” playing on the radio and in stores.
This classic Christmas carol has been around for centuries (no joke, since 1780!) and is a beloved part of holiday customs for many around the world. I loved how when we learned it in school, we would blurt out 5 GOLDEN RINGS as clouds as we could.
But have you ever stopped to wonder about the meaning behind the lyrics?
The 12 Days of Christmas is a Christian holiday tradition that starts on Christmas Day and continues until January 5th, also known as Twelfth Night.
The song itself dates back to the 16th century and has become a popular way to celebrate the holiday season. While the song may seem like a simple and fun tune, it actually has a deeper meaning that symbolizes the Christian faith and the values of faith, hope, and love.
Each verse of the song represents a different gift that is given on each day of Christmas. These gifts are meant to represent various aspects of the Christian faith, such as the partridge in a pear tree representing Jesus Christ and the five golden rings representing the first five books of the Bible.
Pretty cool right? If you are curious to learn more keep on reading!
The Meaning Of The 12 Days Of Christmas
As mentioned, each verse of the song represents a specific gift given on each day of Christmas. Here is a breakdown of what each verse means.
First Day Of Christmas: A Partridge In A Pear Tree
The iconic partridge in a pear tree symbolizes the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, representing God’s love for us.
What is unique is that the partridge bird is known for its self-sacrifice, as it will protect its young from predators. This parallels with Jesus sacrificing himself for the salvation of others.
Second Day Of Christmas: Two Turtledoves
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… two turtledoves.
These twin birds represent the Old and New Testaments. They symbolize the complete story of Christian faith and God’s plan for salvation.
Third Day Of Christmas: Three French Hens
On the third day, three French hens grace us with their presence.
They symbolize faith, hope, and love. They draw inspiration from 1 Corinthians 13.
Fourth Day Of Christmas: Four Calling Birds
Four calling birds call forth! Symbolizing the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I love that these birds have their mouths open for people to hear their song which is the good news of Jesus!
These books serve as the foundation of the New Testament, calling believers to understand Jesus Christ’s life and teachings.
Fifth Day Of Christmas: Five Golden Rings
The five gold rings represent the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Sixth Day Of Christmas: Six Geese a-Laying
The sixth day brings six geese laying eggs, each representing a day of Creation as told in Genesis. These geese bring forth new life, just as the Creation story does. It reminds us of God’s power and the beauty of the world He formed.
Seventh Day Of Christmas: Seven Swans a-Swimming
On the seventh day, seven swans glide gracefully, just like the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit we see in Romans 12:6-8.
Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.
Eight Days Of Christmas: Eight Maids-a-Milking
Eight maids a-milking symbolize the 8 Beatitudes that Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5.
Ninth Day Of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing
Nine ladies dancing arrive on the ninth day, reflecting the nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians. They are as listed: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Tenth Day Of Christmas: Ten Lords a-Leaping
The tenth day brings ten lords a-leaping, a straightforward nod to the Ten Commandments. These lords, much like judges upholding the law, remind us of the moral guidelines God has set for us.
Eleventh Day Of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleventh day features eleven pipers piping, signifying the eleven faithful apostles who continued to spread the Gospel after Judas’s betrayal.
Twelvth Day Of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming
The final gift is twelve drummers drumming, representing the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. These fundamental beliefs—encompassing God’s nature, Jesus’s life, and the Holy Spirit’s work—form the bedrock of Christian faith.
Revisiting this classic carol uncovers a rich mix of symbols related to faith, hope, and spirituality.
The hidden meanings enable us to appreciate the tradition on a deeper level and remind us of the true meaning of the season.
If you’re curious to dive deeper, consider exploring scriptural studies or joining a community group to enhance your understanding and appreciation of these timeless truths.
Whether through personal reflection or communal worship, may the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas inspire your faith and actions both now and throughout the year.
Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.
She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…
Derris
Saturday 28th of December 2024
Hi, I just happened upon this while looking for nice pictures of the 12 days. I got SO much more out of this article! And I just wanted to thank you!!