Greeting to?my Classmates of 59:
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I have always loved the interpertation of this song so I thought I would pass it along to you with wishes for many blessings in the coming year and a wonderful Christmas day with friends and family.
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I read an interesting article recently about the meaning behind the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It seems that from 1558-1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly.
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It was during this era that someone wrote the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: The surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to the members of the church.? Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.
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The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
The five gold rings recall the Torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a laying stand for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.
The eight maids a milking are the eight Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5).
The 10 lords a leaping are the Ten Commandments.
?Eleven pipers stand for the 11 faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
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Let's celebrate the real reason for the season and lovingly and kindly share? Christmas with the world. This will be the best Christmas ever if we get involved.
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The baby came to the manger to go to the cross to die for our sins.? Wishing each of you a Blessed Christmas.
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Patricia and George Lee
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