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A Short History Of The Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

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The Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

People often think of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as the days preceding the festival. Actually, Epiphany is the season of the Christian Year that lasts for the twelve days beginning December 25 and lasting until January 6. These days surrounding the holiday Epiphany include the church's celebration of Christ as the Light of the world and recalls the journey of the magi.
Every day, from December 25 to January 6, was traditionally a part of the Yuletide celebration. Dedicated to mercy and compassion, each day was noted by selfless giving and tender charity. In many cultures, gift giving was not concentrated on a single day, but rather, as in the famous folk song, spread throughout the entire season.
From 1558 until 1829 the Church in England was not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song was written as a catechism that could be sung in public without the risk of persecution. The words to the 12 Days of Christmas song are, in essence, an allegory. The words to the song have two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning and the meaning known only to members of the Church.
Each element in the carol is a word for a religious reality. The 'true love' represents God and 'me' is the group called to receive these gifts as a Christian. On the first day, the partridge in a pear tree is symbolic of Jesus Christ coming to earth to save men.
See if you can discover the rest of the religious meaning as you read the words to the song, 12 Days of Christmas.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

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12 Days of Christmas - composition music sheet

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