Monday, December 8, 2014

Tell Me a True Story Week of 12 08 14



Reading a True Christmas Story


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Meaning of the Carol; 12 days of Christmas 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.  It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten Lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone
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2 comments:

Sharon said...

Hazel, I LOVED this post! I never knew about the "hidden meaning" of the 12 Days of Christmas. I think it's fascinating, and I'm going to copy this down somewhere so I can remember it!

For indeed, Jesus is much better than a partridge, and His Cross much better than a pear tree!

GOD BLESS!

cairncottage said...

Your post here was a real lesson for me. I had no clue where that song originated. It's neat how they were able to connect (underground) in their faith through a song! Thanks for sharing and hosting your link-up!!
Blessings,
Ann @ Christ in the Clouds