From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. So someone wrote this song. It has two meaning. a surface meaning and a hidden meaning.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were in the Old and New Testaments.
Three french hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five golden rings recalled the Toorah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
The eight maids a milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the holy Spirit-- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Self- control.
The ten lords a -leaping were the the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed.
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