The Twelve Days of Christmas

People often think of the Twelve Days of Christmas as the days preceding festival. Actually, Christmas is a season of the Christina Year that begins December 25^th and lasts until January 6^th – the Day of Epiphany – when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. From 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During the era someone wrote ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung I public without risk of persecution.

The song has two levels of interpretation: “the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning know only to members of the church.” Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
2. The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Torah (law) the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5).
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed.

There you have it, the HIDDEN meaning of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the secret behind the song. *Originally sung as “four colly birds.” Many modern interpretations use the phrase “four calling birds.”

For a more in depth overview please visit: http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

'Twelfth Night'...Begins on Christmas Day and Ends the Evening of January 5th

I just have to set the record straight.  Twelfth Night begins on December 25th (Christmas Day) and ends on January 5th (12 days AFTER Christmas). The Twelfth Night marks the last day of the Christmas Season and before Epiphany (January 6th).

It just irks me to no end when people mistakenly think that 'Twelfth Night' is all about the 12 days leading up to Christmas. I suggest reading the article I have linked to below, which just may surprise you, while  you learn the real meaning (and time frame) surrounding 'Twelfth Night'. 

The best definition I found is 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' written by Dennis Bratcher.  Oh, by the way, the article is copy-righted so I wouldn’t suggest posting it on a website or blog…I know this because I asked the author a few years ago and he kindly replied saying it would be OK to post a link, just not the entire article. He also stated that the article  may be printed out for teaching purposes only. An explanation surrounding the origins of the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' (probably one of my least favorite Christmas carols other than 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer') is also referred to in the article.

All religion aside, I have to admit I like my mom’s explanation much better. So here I am, all these years later, posting a blog of my own personal view of 'Twelfth Night'...for what it's worth. The story shared by my English mother explains how the Victorian era celebrated ‘Twelfth Night’. 

Beginning on Christmas Day and each evening thereafter, a ball was hosted at someones home. This was back in the day when it wasn't uncommon for the wealthy to have homes that included ballrooms. The grandest ball of all (usually hosted by the most affluent family) was the one held on the 12th evening after Christmas.  This was the one that everyone impatiently waited for. This is the one where dreams are fulfilled.

In those days it would have been extremely frowned upon to take your holiday decorations down before the season was over, as the decorations were very much a part of each and every celebration.  So for anyone who believe they have to have all their Christmas decorations boxed up and put away before welcoming in the New Year...I say....BAH HUMBUG!!!

Picture this...Imagine you are part of the gilded age, the phrase ‘less is more’ had not yet been coined, and place yourself smack dab in the middle of one of those snowy Christmas scenes you see depicted on an old fashioned Christmas Card.  (One that Thomas Kinkade may have painted)

You are standing on a snowy walkway all lit up with candles aglow in glass lanterns, each one adorned with glittering tinsel and  brightly decorated wreaths. 

The guests are arriving in their fancy horse-drawn carriages, all wearing the latest fashions from Paris, France.  Every breath you take can be seen in the chilly night air. 

The warmth from fireplaces brightly burning awaits you inside. Candles ensconced in chandeliers provide the only shimmer of light. Every room is lit up by what seems to be  a million tiny flickers of flame, as if they are twinkling stars raining down from the heavens.  

The scent of cinnamon and orange mingle with honey glazed meats and other enticing aromas, all promising yummy flavors that will surely appease everyone's pallet.

As you hear the orchestra tuning up their instruments,  you are reminded to quickly check your handbag and ensure your dance card is easily accessible. A quick glance around the room gives way to the fine gentlemen in top hats and tails, all making mental notes of whose card they hope to add their names to first.

Young and old alike fantasize of swirling around the ballroom at least once, preferably twice with the lady they favor. 

Lifetime adventures filled with grand memories await you.

Now can you see why the above explanation would be so much more appealing in the eyes of a young girl with fairytale dreams?  

Not all my dreams have come true but that hasn't stopped me from dreaming.  May I wishing you all the abundance, happiness and joy your heart can handle this year and every year!!! 

P.S. Please don't feel you have to take down your holiday decorations so soon after Christmas.  It's really OK to leave them up until after 'Twelfth Night'.  :)