FURTHER EXPLANATION OF THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS In the sixteenth century, England proclaimed an official state church, and any other religious teaching was strictly forbidden. So, for the next three centuries, from 1558 to 1829, those who refused to join the official state church developed creative ways to teach children their beliefs. One popular method was to use lyrics and song. This is in sense an allegory and each item represents something of significance in the Christian faith to help young Christians learn their faith. Below, you will discover the secret Christian symbols concealed in the familiar carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This cheerful song, about a generous benefactor who loved to give, could be freely sung without ever using God's name, because "my true love" refers to God, and the "me" refers to those who receive these presents from Jesus. Day 1 - A Partridge in a Pear Tree - The original gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, sent to earth from God. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." The partridge was known as a valiant bird, willing to fight to the death in order to defend its young. This bird's readiness to die for its young made it an ancient symbol of Christ. The pear tree represents the cross. > See John 10:14, 15. Day 2 - Two Turtledoves - The gift of two turtledoves is a reminder of the sacrifice offered for Jesus by Mary and Joseph. See Luke 2:22, 24. This also refers to the Old and New Testaments. Day 3 - Three French Hens - French hens were valuable poultry during the sixteenth century - only the rich could afford them. These costly birds symbolized the precious gifts of the wise men gold, frankincense, and myrrh. See Matthew 2:10, 11. They also represent faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide. See 1 Corinthians 13. Day 4 - Four Calling Birds - The four calling birds are reminders of the four gospels that sing the song of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ and the four gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. See John 20:30, 31. Day 5 - Five Gold Rings - The most treasured of all gifts, the five golden rings represent the five books of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy - The Torah. See Deuteronomy 34:10-12. Day 6 - Six Geese A-Laying - In many cultures, eggs symbolize new life. Six geese laying eggs become reminders of the six days of creation. See Genesis 1:1, 31. Day 7 - Seven Swans A-Swimming - Seven Swans symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Just as baby swans grow and change from "ugly ducklings" into beautiful and graceful birds, so do God's children grow and change through the work of the Holy Spirit. See Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10, 11. Day 8 - Eight Maids A-Milking - The eight milking maidens represent eight unique teachings of Jesus sometimes called the Beatitudes. See Matthew 5:3-12. Day 9 - Nine Ladies Dancing - The nine ladies dancing remind us of the ninefold fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of God's children. See Galatians 5:22, 23. Day 10 - Ten Lords A-Leaping - Lords were men with authority to command people's obedience. Ten lords a-leaping symbolize God's ten basic laws, otherwise known as the Ten Commandments. See Exodus 20:3-17. Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping - Eleven pipers represent the eleven apostles chosen by Jesus who remained faithful to him. Like children joyfully following a piper, these disciples followed Jesus. See Mark 3:16-19. Day 12 - Twelve Drummers Drumming - Just as drummers beat out a loud, steady rhythm for marchers to follow, so the Apostle's Creed sets forth the beliefs of those who call themselves Christians. The twelve drummers represent the twelve vital Christian beliefs as stated in the Apostle's Creed: "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. He shall return to judge both the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting."