what and why are the twelve days of Christmas?

Answer 1

I don't know about the "why," but the Twelve Days of Christmas is the period of time between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Feast of the Ephiphany (January 6).

In many ways, it encompasses the Christian season of Christmas because it starts with the birth of Jesus and ends with the visit by the Magi, which many consider "Little Christmas" (the the source of the gift giving traditions) and/or the birth announcement of Jesus to the outside world.

Answer 2

Here's a good explanation of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the words (with explanation, too) of the song:
http://www.cresourcei.org/cy12days.html

Answer 3

It's a rhyme initiated by Roman Catholics to remember the 12 tenents of theire faith in the period 1558 to 1829 when under persecution

Answer 4

its the time taken by the three kings, from seeing the star to arriving at the manger

Answer 5

actually no one knows the actual day even they tell its the 25 it could be any time in the december.

Answer 6

Thats how many nails were used to nail Jesus to the cross

Answer 7

Any more would be a violation of my human rights.

Answer 8

true love

Answer 9

On the first day of Christmas my "True Love" {representing God's love for me.} gave to me:
"A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE"
{representing God's gift to me, his only begotten Son.}
On the second day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"TWO TURTLE DOVES"
{representing the Old and New Testament.}

On the third day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"THREE FRENCH HENS"
{could represent Faith, Hope and Charity, as well as the Holy Trinity-God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.}

On the fourth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"FOUR CALLING BIRDS"
{representing the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.}

On the fifth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"FIVE GOLDEN RINGS" {representing the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.}

On the sixth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"SIX GEESE A-LAYING" {representing the six days of creation: On the first day God made light. On the second day God made the firmament. The third day God made dry land and plants. On the fourth day God made the sun, moon, stars, etc. On the fifth day God made the fishes and the birds. On the sixth day God made the animals and man.}

On the seventh day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING"
{representing the Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Confir-mation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Sacrament of the Sick.}

On the eighth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING" {representing the Eight Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.}

On the ninth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"NINE LADIES DANCING" {representing the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness.} [Additional references are Modesty, Self-control, Chastity.]
On the tenth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:

"TEN PIPERS PIPING" {representing the Ten Commandments: I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have strange Gods before me. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath Day. Honor thy father and mother. Thou shalt not kill. Honor thy marriage vows. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not have impure thoughts and desires. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.}

On the eleventh day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"ELEVEN LORDS A-LEAPING" {representing the eleven faithful Apostles: Peter, James, Son of Zebedee, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Son of Alpheus, Simon, Jude (Thaddeus).} [Jesus chose twelve Apostles; however, Judas Iscariot betrayed him and is not considered one of the faithful.]

On the twelfth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:
"TWELVE DRUMMERS
DRUMMING"
{representing the twelve points of the belief in the Apostles Creed: 1. I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord. 3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. 4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. 6. He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. 7. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit. 9. The Holy Catholic Church. 10. The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins. 11. The resurrection of the body. 12. And life everlasting. Amen.}