Hello Unity Friends,

Just when you thought Christmas was over, I am writing to remind you that it actually only began on December 25th. Christmas in the Christian Year is a season that lasts from December 25th to January 6th, the Day of Epiphany. On the Day of Epiphany, the Church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem.

From 1558 until 1829, the people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During this era, someone wrote "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 and a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol is a code word with religious meaning.

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.
Four calling birds are the four Gospels.
The five golden rings recall the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.
Eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5.
Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

There you have it. The hidden meaning of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Even though the gifts may all be opened, the turkey, ham, and tofu eaten, and the guests gone their way back home, there are still reasons to continue to celebrate for a few more days.

Happy twelve days of Christmas and Happy New Year!
Robin