Egluntyne Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 Him Indoors has just found this on 'tinterweb. Thought it would interest you, with it being that time of year. From 1588-1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone during this era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meanings: the surface of the meaning and a hidden meaning known only to the members of their Church. Each element of the carol has a code for a religious reality which helped children remember: The Partridge in a Pear Tree This stood for Jesus Christ! Two turtle doves Stood for the new and old testaments. Three French Hens Stood for faith, hope and love. Four Calling Birds Were the 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Five Golden Rings Recalled the Torah or Law, first five books of the Old Testament. Six Geese-A-Laying Stood for the six days of creation. Seven Swans a Swimming Represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit. Eight Maids A-Milkin' Were the eight Beatitudes (Matt. 5) Nine Ladies Dancing Were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5) Ten Lords A-Leaping Were the Ten Commandments! Eleven Pipers Piping Stood for the eleven FAITHFUL disciples. Twelve Drummers Drumming Symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostle's Creed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 I never knew that! - how interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 I didn't know that either. I'm going to ask my Catholic friends tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 That brought back some memories. I remember learning this as a child except I had the first five books of the Old Testament ( The Pentateuch) for "five gold rings" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 I didn't know that! Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 I never knew that-quite interesting! I thought there were 12 days of Christmas as that takes you to the epiphany when the wise men were supposed to have arrived. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 I prefer our chicken version! We celebrate Xmas etc, but are in no way religious. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 21, 2008 Author Share Posted December 21, 2008 Same here....I just though it would be of interest, form a historical perspective more than anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fowlbird Posted December 21, 2008 Share Posted December 21, 2008 fascinating! I didn't know any of that From 1588-1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly it was the same in Ireland I believe but if anyone knows any different... I know that not long ago (relatively speaking) Catholicism wasn't allowed in 'modern' Ireland but have forgotten the dates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
