THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

• From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.

• Someone during that era wrote this carol as a Cathechism song for young Catholics.

• Each day or element has a code word

1st day of Christmas

A partridge in a pear tree

Jesus Christ

2nd day of Christmas

Two turtle doves

The old and new testaments

3rd day of Christmas

Three French hens

4th. Day of Christmas

Four Calling Birds

Four gospels of MatthewMarkLuke and John

5th. Day of Christmas

Five golden Rings

Torah or lawThe first five books of the old Testament

6th. Day of Christmas

Six geese a-laying

Six days of creation

7th. Day of Christmas

Seven swans a-swimming

Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Prophesy

Serving

Teaching

Exhortation

Contribution

Leadership and

Mercy

8th. Day of Christmas

Eight maids a-milking

The eight beatitudes

9th. Day of Christmas

Nine ladies Dancing

Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness and

Self - control

10th. Day of Christmas

Ten lords a-Leaping

The Ten Commandments

11th. Day of Christmas

Eleven Pipers Piping

Eleven Faithful Disciples

12th. Day of Christmas

Twelve drummers Drumming

TwelvePoints of belief in the Apostles’Creed