When most people hear "The 12 Days of Christmas," they think of the song. This song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith.
1. On the First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
"...my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian. The "Partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who dies on a tree as a gift from God.2. Second Day of Christmas: 2 Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments.3. Third Day of Christmas: 3 French Hens
Faith, Hope and Charity.4. Fourth Day of Christmas: 4 Calling Birds
The Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists.5. Fifth Day of Christmas: 5 Golden Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament.6. Sixth Day of Christmas: 6 Geese A Laying
The Six days of creation.7. Seventh Day of Christmas: 7 Swans A Swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.8. Eighth Day of Christmas: 8 Maids Milking
The eight Beatitudes.9. Ninth Day of Christmas: 9 Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit.10. Tenth Day of Christmas: 10 Lords A Leaping
The Ten Commandments.11. Eleventh Day of Christmas: 11 Pipers Piping
The eleven faithful disciples12. 12th Day of Christmas: 12 Drummers Drumming
The 12 points of the Apostles' Creed
