Infographic: Twelve Days of Christmas

“Twelve Days of Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol that originally came from France. I always thought it was about the twelve days leading up to Christmas, but it’s not. “Twelve Days of Christmas” refers to the period from Christmas on December 25th to the day before Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6th. In many places, Epiphany Eve is celebrated as Twelfth Night on January 5th.

In “Twelve Days of Christmas,” the total number of gifts given is 364. This total is derived from the cumulative nature of the song, where each day adds a new set of gifts to those given previously. For example, on the first day, one gift is given, on the second day, two gifts, and so on, leading to a grand total of 364 gifts by the end of the twelfth day! (Here’s how to figure the math.)

Although it just sounds like simple counting song, “Twelve Days of Christmas” is full of hidden messages. It originated as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of Christianity, at a time when Christians were being persecuted and could not share their faith openly.

“My true love” represents God and the “me” who receives the presents is the Christian.
The “partridge in a pear tree” was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.
The “two turtle doves” were the Old and New Testaments – another sign of God.
The “three French Hens” were faith, hope, and love – the three gifts of Spirit that abide. (1 Corinthians 13)
The “four calling birds” were the four Gospels, which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The “five golden rings” were the first five books of the Bible, also called the “Book of Moses.”
The “six geese-a-laying” were the six days of creation.
The “seven swans-a-swimming” were the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Corinthians 12:9-11; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
The “eight maids-a-milking” were the eight Beatitudes. (Matt. 5:3-10)
The “nine ladies dancing” were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25.)
The “ten lords a-leaping” were the Ten Commandments.
The “eleven pipers piping” were the eleven faithful disciples.
The “twelve drummers drumming” were the twelve points of the Apostle’s Creed.

So the next time you hear “Twelve Days of Christmas,” consider the fact that this otherwise secular-sounding song is deeply rooted in the Christian faith.