This song was supposedly composed at a time when being a Catholic in England was considered a crime. So the composer uses codes to express his thoughts and feelings.
First day of Christmas my true love sent to me . . . God
Second day of Christmas 2 turtle doves - old & new testament
Third day of Christmas 3 French hens - 3 theological values of faith, hope and charity
Fourth day of Christmas 4Calling birds - 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Fifth day of Christmas 5Golden rings - 5 books of old testament or Pentateuch
Sixth day of Christmas 6 Geese a-laying -6 days of creation in Genesis
Seventh day of Christmas 7Swans a-swimming - 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eighth day of Christmas 8Maids a- milking - 8 beatitudes
Ninth day of Christmas 9Ladies dancing - 9 fruits of the holy spirit
Tenth day of Christmas 10Lord's a-leaping - 10 commandments
Eleventh day of Christmas 11Piper's piping - 11 faithful apostles
Twelfth day of Christmas 12 Drummers drumming - 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles creed
BE aware, this song has an older version in French and is Scottish and it's words have hidden meaning. It was written in 1780.
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