The 12 days of christmas and their true meaning
The 12 days of Christmas
By egyptfreak
In the sixteenth century, England proclaimed an official state church, and any other religious teaching was strictly forbidden. So, for the next three centuries, 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.
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.
·Day 1 - A Partridge in a Pear Tree - The original gift of Christmas is Jesus, 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.
·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 wisemen gold, frankincense, and myrrh. See Matthew 2:10-11.
·Day 4 - Four Calling Birds - The four calling birds are reminders of 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 first five books of the Old...
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