Various versions of this meditation based on the 12 Days of Christmas may be found online. This

Various versions of this meditation based on the 12 Days of Christmas may be found online. This notes that from 1558 to 1929, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. This carol was written as a catechism song. It has two levels of meaning – the surface and the hidden. Each element has a code word for a religious reality. The carol is popularly known as “A Partridge in a Pear Tree,” which begins “on the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...”

First day of Christmas: The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

Second day: Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.

Third day: Three French hens means faith, hope and charity.

Fourth day: Four calling birds are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Fifth day: Five golden rings recalls the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Bible.

Sixth day: Six geese a-laying stands for the six days of creation.

Seventh day: Seven swans a-swimming represents the gifts of the Holy Spirit – prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy.

Eighth day: Eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

Ninth day: Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

10th day: 10 lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

11th day: Eleven pipers piping stands for the 11 faithful disciples.

12th day: 12 drummers drumming symbolizes the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed.