Christmas Carol with Hidden Meaning

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to the members of their church. Each element in the carol has a cold word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in the pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope, and Love.

Four calling birds were the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Five golden rings recalled the 'Torah' or Law: the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So, there is your history for today! This knowledge was shared with me and I found it enlightening and interesting.and now I know how this strange song became a Christmas carol!

If judges and courts in America keep on making laws through judical edits with the stroke of their pen will we in America one day need to write such songs?

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