Have you ever wondered, as you're singing the words to some of our Christmas hymns where they came from? No Christmas song represents the "What on earth does that mean?" better to me than the song "Partridge in a Pear Tree". It seems so non-sensical to me. When I was younger I used to think it meant a very rich man was giving his girlfriend some pretty elaborate gifts in order to win her hand. But last year I looked it up and found some pretty interesting stuff.
One of the thoughts out there is that it is actually a song that was used during 16th century wars as a sort of "secret" way of teaching the basic Christian truths to the children without being found out. The "true love" was representative of God and the "me" was the believing Christian. Some have tried to say that this really wasn't the origin of the song. There is no solid evidence either way, but for the sake of interest I thought I'd put it up because it was so interesting. You decide.
The 12 days of Christmas in not the 12 days before Christmas but actually the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) which traditionally says is when the Wise Men arrived.
On the 1st Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
The Partridge is Jesus who died on a tree and was the one perfect gift.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 2 Turtle Doves
Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testament
On the 3rd Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 3 French Hens
Three French Hens represent the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope & Love
On the 4th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 4 Calling Birds
Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 5 Golden Rings
Five Golden Rings represent the First Five Books of the Old Testament known as the Pentateuch
On the 6th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 6 Geese A Laying
Six Geese represents the Six Days of Creation
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Seven Swans-a-Swimming
Seven Swans represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
On the 8th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 Maids-a-Milking
Eight Maids represent the Eight Beatitudes
On the 9th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 Ladies Dancing
On the 10th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 Lords-a-Leaping
On the 11th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 Pipers Piping
Eleven Pipers is representative of the Eleven Faithful Apostles
On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 Drummers Drumming
Twelve Drummers represent the Twelve Points of the Apostle's Creed
So now wasn't that interesting? And even if it is just rumor how it all started, what a cool way to teach your children basics of the Christian Faith.
For more detailed information one of my sources was here.
My pictures are actually tree oranaments which can be purchased here. When my children ever go out on their own and take all their ornaments with them, I always wanted to have a "Partridge in a Pear Tree" themed Christmas tree. So I guess I better go add up how much all that'll cost. Me thinks I better start saving my shekels now.
30 comments:
I've always wondered what that song was trying to say. I agree, even if this isn't the true origin of the song... what a great way to tie it into truths of God's Word!
Thanks for sharing this!!! I'm going to begin talking about this with my children!!
Very cool and the pictures are pretty.
Very edifying. I'd never heard this before. I do know the 12 days of Christmas are actually Christmas Day through January 6th - Epihany/day of the 3 wise men. But the rest...I'd never heard it before.
Hmmm...maybe it didn't get passed down very well because we can barely remember the words to the song, much less what it's all supposed to mean?
Beautiful ornaments, too!
I never knew what the sond meant....how cool is that...thansk for sharing.
Now that was a post worth reading! THANKS!
And the ornaments are simply beautiful.
Diane
Thanks for sharing this... very interesting.
Wow, thanks Susanne :)
How interesting; I know when the 12 days of Christmas are but have not heard all the rest! And the ornaments are beautiful.
And you know that we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at my house, right? :)
Even if this is an urban legend, it's still a great little story. Thanks!
I've never heard or seen this. Very very sweet. I like the ornaments too!
I always thought that was just a silly Christmas song. The song is an awesome way of sharing God's truth.
We'll have to start a new tradition and get all the ornaments and celebrate the 12 days. I think this will be great to teach Olyvia and any other children we may have.
A 2nd little Christmas tree would be a good idea and on each day following Christmas, hang an ornament and learn the song as well as the truths that go along with them.
Thank you so much for sharing. Cute ornaments! I checked out the website but they are all in British $. :-( I'm sure I can find them somewhere else. lol
Love this! Informative and fun! My kids love singing this song, so it will be fun to talk about it with them.
Susanne, just thought I'd stop back and let you know my ABC Meme is up:) Thanks again for tagging me:)
The ornaments are beautiful!
I'm not sure what has my mouth hanging open more: the cool story, or the fact that you took the time to to post all of those images and format it just so...
Blessings,
Karla
ps - I posted my meme tuesday.
Thanks again :)
Blessings,
Karla
That's definitely a great way to look at that song! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I was amazed when I had learned this, too. And you are right, whether it is fictional or true, it is very clever either way!
Jenn
Susanne - Cominos are ground toasted cumin seeds.
Wonderful! Urban legend or not, it is truly best to focus on Christ.
Hm. I wonder. I think the explanations are a bit of a stretch, made by someone looking for the parallels. That said--they're biblical, and you're right--a good way to teach concepts in the Bible.
Wow! I loved this! Thank you for sharing!
I love it! Love it!
This is fascinating, Susanne. I never in a million years would have thought this was anything more than a fun song.
I'm sharing this with my family, too. They'll be as amazed as I am.
Facinating!
That is so cool. I never heard that before. Thanks.
I have heard this, but couldn't remember what each meant. Thanks- well written and the ornaments are lovely.
I love this-thanks for sharing it...I had heard this a long time ago,but had forgotten what it all stood for.
Susanne,your posts are always so great!
lovely post
Im going to do something similar between Christmas day and January 6th
Hi Susanne, I had done a post on this recently and Sarah mentioned yours--so glad I came and checked it out, its lovely, and I'm linking to it : )
Christmas Blessings : ) Wendy
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