The Twelve Days of Christmas
Objectively Hars

“The twelve days of Christmas” is an English Christmas Carol that enumerates a
series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of
Christmas, a textual evidence suggests the song that first published in England
in 1780.

   A modern explanation claims that the song lyrics were written as a
“cathechism song” to keep young Catholics learn their faith, at a time when
practicing Catholicism was criminalized in England (1448-1829).
   There is no primary evidence supporting this claim, and no evidence that the
claim is historical or anything, but a fanciful modern-day speculation.
   The theory is relatively recent origin.  It was first suggested by a
Canadian English teacher Hugh McKeller, on how to decode the twelve days of
Christmas, published in 1979.

   Variations in lyrics provide further evidence against the Cathechism song
origin.  For example, the four gospels are often described as the “four calling
birds,” is a modern phonetic misunderstanding of “cully birds.”

   Regardless of the origin, the present-day Christians give the following
meanings or interpretations to the gifts...Partridge in a pear tree (Jesus);
Two turtle doves (The Old and New Testaments); Three French Hens (The three
kings bearing gifts);  Four calling birds (The Four Gospels);  Five gold rings
(The Torah or Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament); Six peace
a-laying (The six days of Creation); Seven swans a-swimming (Seven gifts of the
Holy Spirit); Eight maids a-milking (The eight Beatitudes);  Nine ladies dancing
(Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit); Ten lords a-leaping (The Ten Commandments);
Eleven pipers piping (The eleven faithful Apostles); Twelve drummers drumming
(The twelve points of the Apostles Creed).

   Does it make sense for you now? But remember, it is Christmas, and the
greatest gift you’ll receive is a PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE (JESUS).

   Merry Christmas to all!

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