Christmas carols are part of the Christmas season, and one of the most popular ones is the “12 Days of Christmas”. It’s been part of the holidays for years as its playful and melodious tunes ring in the Christmas spirit. But what are the 12 days of Christmas? What is their significance, and how did it come about?
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The 12 Days of Christmas Explained
What are the 12 Days of Christmas? It stems from Christian theology that marks the day Jesus Christ was born to the coming of the magi, three wise men. These dates are between Christmas 25th and January 6th (the Epiphany or Three Kings). Every day has its significance, as listed below.
- Day 1: December 25: Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus.
- Day 2: December 26: St. Stephen’s Day, celebrating the first Christian martyr.
- Day 3: December 27: Feast of St. John the Evangelist.
- Day 4: December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents, remembering the children killed by King Herod.
- Day 5: December 29: Feast of St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury and martyr.
- Day 6: December 30: Commemoration of the Holy Family, reflecting on the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
- Day 7: December 31: St. Sylvester’s Day, often associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Day 8: January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a significant feast day in the Catholic Church.
- Day 9: January 2: Feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, important figures in early Christianity.
- Day 10: January 3: Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, focusing on the significance of Jesus’ name.
- Day 11: January 4: Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint.
- Day 12: January 5: Eve of Epiphany, preparing for the celebration of the Magi’s visit to the Christ child.
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Where Does the “12 Days of Christmas” Song Come From?
Although the song’s origins are contested, with some tracing its origin to France, it was first published in an English book, Mirth With-out Mischief, in 1780. Additionally, some believe it was designed as a “memory and forfeits” game to test their memory of the lyrics.
Speaking of the lyrics, there have been different variations, with some containing words like “bears a-baiting” or “ships a-sailing” or suggesting that the mother was the gift-giver instead of the true love. Earlier versions mention “colly” birds or blackbirds.
ln 190,9 British composer Frederic Austin wrote the version that many recognize today.
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What’s the Meaning of the Song?
The story goes that the “12 Days of Christmas” song was used to keep Christianity alive during a time when Christians were persecuted for openly worshipping and expressing their faith. However, some dispute this account because if they were genuinely being persecuted, how were they allowed to sing such a song?
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Therefore, every gift on the list is symbolic of the Christian faith.
- The Partridge in the Pear Tree is Jesus Christ.
- The 2 Turtle Doves are The Old and New Testaments.
- The 3 French hens are Faith, Hope and Charity, the theological virtues.
- The 4 Calling Birds are the four gospels and/or the four evangelists.
- The 5 Golden Rings are the first five books of the Old Testament.
- The 6 Geese A-laying are the six days of creation.
- The 7 Swans A-swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments.
- The 8 Maids A-milking are the eight beatitudes.
- The 9 Ladies Dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
- The 10 Lords A-leaping are the ten commandments.
- The 11 Pipers Piping are the eleven faithful apostles.
- The 12 Drummers Drumming are the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.
Calculating the Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas
According to the PNC financial services group’s annual Christmas Price Index, the cost of the 364 gifts at the current market rate as of 2022 is $45,523.27.
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Conclusion
What are the 12 Days of Christmas? It’s more than just a Christmas song, as it reveals more about the history, traditions, and happiness of the holiday season. Regardless of your view of the song, it reigns in the Christmas spirit, but you should also appreciate all its layers of meaning and the story behind it.
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