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Van Wert High School Local Information
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“One the first day of Christmas…” Even a holiday humbug can rattle off
the remaining lyrics of this infamous holiday carol, but is there truth
behind those never-ending lyrics?
The carol actually refers to the Western Church’s
calendar year; its twelve days start on December 26 and last through
January 6 (Epiphany).
Epiphany is believed to be the day that the Wise Men arrived to give
their gifts to Jesus. This is just a different way a culture chooses to
observe this holy day. Some cultures, such as the Hispanic and Latino
communities, observe January 6 as Three Kings Day, or the Day of the
Kings.
Many have viewed this carol as simply nonsense lyrics children sing;
however, it is a song of Christian instruction referring back to the
16th century religious wars in England, including hidden allusions to
early teachings of Christianity. Scholars believe that these lyrics
were used as mnemonic devices for children to remember the basic
teachings.
“My true love” is not a significant other, but it references God. The
"me" who gets the presents refers to baptized Christians who have
adopted the Christianity as their own. Each individual "day" parallels
various aspects of Christianity that held great significance for
children to learn in order to understand their religion.
The Twelve Days
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the
Christ.
The two turtle doves
reference both the Old and New Testaments.
The three French hens stand for
theological virtues.
1) Faith
2) Hope
3) Love
The four calling birds represent the
gospels.
1) Matthew
2) Mark
3) Luke
4)
John
Five golden rings symbolize the first
five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying denote the six days of
creation by God the creator.
Seven swans a-swimming represent the
seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1) prophecy
2) ministry
3) teaching
4) exhortation
5) giving
6) leading
7) compassion
Eight maids a-milking are the eight
Beatitudes:
1) Blessed are the poor in spirit
2) those who mourn
3) the meek
4) those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness
5) the merciful
6) the pure in heart
7) the peacemakers
8) those who are persecuted for
righteousness' sake.
Nine ladies dancing stand for the nine
fruit of the Holy Spirit:
1)
love
2) joy
3) peace
4) patience
5) kindness
6) generosity
7) faithfulness
8) gentleness
9) self-control
Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten
Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping are the eleven
faithful Apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve
points of doctrine in the
Apostles' Creed.
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