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Check out some of the pages below: Page 1 I 2 I 3 I Red Marbles I Older than Dirt I Between You And God I Daily Survival Kit I 12 Days of Christmas I Proud to be a Georgian I Shorter College I Ben Stein's Last Column I March Across Georgia Newsletter I The latest from a great American Ben Stein
The English began writing carols in the
15th Century, but later the Puritans suppressed these religious songs
altogether. After Christmas was restored in England, festive songs praising
feasting and good will developed.
During this time, Catholics could not
openly practice their faith. So "The Twelve Days of Christmas" became
popular as a Catechism song for young Catholics, according to Ann Ball's
book, "A Handful of Catholic Sacramentals".
Instead of referring to a suitor, the
"true love" mentioned in the song refers to God.
The "me" receiving the presents is
symbolic of every baptized person.
the partridge in the pear tree is Jesus
Christ, and in the song, He is symbolically presented as a mother partridge
who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.
The other symbols carry their own
religious meanings:
Two turtle doves: The Old and New
Testaments.
Three French hens: Faith, hope and
charity.
Four calling birds: The four Gospels.
Five gold rings: The first five books of
the old Testament or the Torah.
Six geese a laying: The six days of
creation.
Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of
the Holy Spirit.
Eight maids a-milking: the eight
Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing: The nine fruits of
the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful
disciples
Twelve drummers drumming: The twlve points
of belief of the Apostles' Creed.
Isn't it interesting and sad that
a song written to secretly remind Christians about the doctrines of their
faith was disguised so well that after 400 years, the secular world more
identifies with this carol than do Christians who are mostly unaware of its
origins and meanings.
The freedom to exercise our faith
in this country is still amazing. Cherish it this Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all.
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The
story of the 12 Days of Christmas