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		The meaning of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Catholic publication, "The St. Louis Parish Family," says that the song comes from a rather difficult period of church history in England when Roman Catholics weren't allowed to openly practice their faith. Someone, during that era, wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. There was a surface meaning for each day and a hidden meaning, as well. Each element in the carol was a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. The partridge in the pear tree was, of course, Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and charity (1 Corinthians 13 KJV). Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Five golden rings recalled the Torah, or Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Six geese a laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a swimming represented the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Eight maids a milking were the eight beatitudes. (Matthew 5) Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24). Ten lords a leaping were the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed.
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