Over the past few weeks, you might have noticed that wherever you go or whichever radio station you tune into, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is playing. I've enjoyed hearing it many times and realized that I've never really questioned the meaning of the song or when these days actually occur. I've always thought the 12 days came before Christmas. However, what if I told you that the Twelve Days of Christmas happen after Christmas?
It might surprise you, but yes, the Twelve Days of Christmas indeed start on Christmas Day! It's a fun fact that often goes unnoticed, and it seems that the popular Christmas carol I mentioned earlier has led to some confusion over the years.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Song is Misleading
Originally this British children's song began as a memory-and-forfeit game. The rules of the game were simple: each child took a turn recalling the verses the previous child sung, then they added a new verse to the end. If a child forgot a verse, they had to pay a forfeit that typically involved kissing or giving the other children candy. So what does this odd repetitive jingle about rings, geese, and milking maids have to do with the days leading up to January 6th?
Well, one theory is the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was created by Catholics between 1558-1829. Since it was a crime to be a Catholic in Anglican England, many believe the song was created as a coded way for Catholics to learn the catechism (a summary of the principles of the Catholic religion). This idea was debunked by David Mikkelson for Snopes. In case you are curious, here's David's translation of the supposed symbolism:
Supposed Twelve Days of Christmas Symbolism
- Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, the Son of God
- Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
- 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
- 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
- 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
- 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.
- 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
- 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
- 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
- 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- 10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
- 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
- 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed
The Real Meaning of The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas actually spans from the birth of Christ on December 25th to the arrival of the Magi (commonly referred to as the three wise men), celebrated during the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day on January 6th.