What is the significance of the song "Twelve Days of Christmas"?

Question

what does each item symbolise?

Answer 1

Some Christians assign symbolism to the gifts in the song. One of the most common versions of these assigned meanings is:

The 'partridge in a pear tree' means there is only one God and is also symbolic of Jesus (see Luke 13:34).
The 'two turtle doves' are the Old and New Testaments. Though according to Zondervan's Twelve Days of Christmas the story behind a favorite Christmas song this is the 2 turtle doves sacrificed that Joseph and Mary brought when they presented Jesus at the Temple.
The 'three French hens' are the three Persons of the holy Trinity or the three virtues: faith, hope, and love, though according to Ace Collins' book "Stories of the Best Loved Christmas Songs", they represent the expensive gifts of the Wise Men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The 'four calling birds' are the Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; or their Gospels. Which makes sense because they are "calling" out the story.
'Five gold rings' are the first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch.
'Six geese a-laying' refer to the six days of the Creation.
'Seven swans a-swimming' are the seven sacraments and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
'Eight maids a-milking' are the eight Beatitudes.
'Nine ladies dancing' are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
'Ten lords a-leaping' are the Ten Commandments.
'Eleven pipers piping' are the eleven faithful Apostles.
'Twelve drummers drumming' are the twelve doctrines in the Apostles' Creed.

Answer 2

Symbolic interpretation
Some Christians assign symbolism to the gifts in the song. One of the most common versions of these assigned meanings is:

The 'partridge in a pear tree' means there is only one God and is also symbolic of Jesus (see Luke 13:34).
The 'two turtle doves' are the Old and New Testaments. Though according to Zondervan's Twelve Days of Christmas the story behind a favorite Christmas song this is the 2 turtle doves sacrificed that Joseph and Mary brought when they presented Jesus at the Temple.
The 'three French hens' are the three Persons of the holy Trinity or the three virtues: faith, hope, and love, though according to Ace Collins' book "Stories of the Best Loved Christmas Songs", they represent the expensive gifts of the Wise Men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The 'four calling birds' are the Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; or their Gospels. Which makes sense because they are "calling" out the story.
'Five gold rings' are the first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch.
'Six geese a-laying' refer to the six days of the Creation.
'Seven swans a-swimming' are the seven sacraments and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
'Eight maids a-milking' are the eight Beatitudes.
'Nine ladies dancing' are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
'Ten lords a-leaping' are the Ten Commandments.
'Eleven pipers piping' are the eleven faithful Apostles.
'Twelve drummers drumming' are the twelve doctrines in the Apostles' Creed.

Answer 3

The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (which first appeared in a children's book, titled Mirth Without Mischief, in England way back in 1780) is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn. Others disagree stating that this is false and that there is no evidence to demonstrate that it was created or used a for its "hidden meanings."

Click on the links below for more specific information regarding the religious symbolism and the debate:

Answer 4

Frederick Silver

Answer 5

I would guess that when people wernt allowed to practice their religions in the UK songs were made up so other people would know they were religious but authoritys wouldnt, like the songs that describing the routes slaves uses to escape

Answer 6

The bloke in the song has this desperate, bunny boiler female chucking gifts at him over Christmas. If I was him, I'd get a restraining order against her. She sounds like a right loon.

Answer 7

just like most christian holidays they line up with a pagan or jewish ritual.

Answer 8

Nothing