Each of the items in the song
represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each
gift was designed to help young Christians learn their faith.
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
A Partridge in a Pear
Tree
The "true love" represents God
and the "me" represents the Christian. The "partridge in a pear tree" is
Jesus Christ who died on a tree or cross as a gift from God for the whole
world.
On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Two Turtle
Doves
Two turtle doves are symbolic of the Old and
the New Testament
On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Three French
Hens
The three French hens are symbolic of the valuable poultry
during that time, only for the rich could afford, like the wise men's
gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Also symbolic for faith, hope and
charity.
On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Four Calling Birds
The four calling birds are symbolic of the four
Gospel writers, like birds calling out with loud and distinctive voices
On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Five Gold
Rings
The 5 golden rings are symbolic of the the
Torah (the 5 books of Moses), treated as most valuable and treasured, as
is gold.
On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Six Geese
A-laying
The six geese are symbolic of the six days of new life,
the creation.
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Seven Swans
A-swimming
The swans are symbolic of the the seven gifts of the
Holy Spirit that also change us from ugly ducklings into graceful adults.
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Eight Maids
A-milking
The eight maids milking are symbolic of the
beatitudes.
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Nine Ladies
Dancing
The nine ladies dancing are symbolic of the
rejoicing over the nine fruits of the spirit. (love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control)
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten lords leaping are symbolic of
the ten commandments.
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Eleven Pipers
Piping
The eleven pipers piping are symbolic of the piping the eleven faithful
apostles
following the chief piper and becoming like Him.
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...
Twelve Drummers
Drumming
The twelve drummers drumming are symbolic of the loud
steady rhythm for marchers to follow as is the points of the Apostle's
Creed
