12 Days of Christmas Origin

It is said that the traditional Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a secret teaching tool to instruct children in the meaning of the Christian faith. From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were, apparently, forbidden from openly practicing their religion. So, this carol was devised to get the message across without upsetting the Protestants. Here is the broken code, thanks to this contribution from Guyneitha. Passage Hidden definition My true love God Me The Christian Partridge in a pear tree Jesus Two Turtle Doves The old and new testaments Three French hens Faith, hope and love Four calling birds The four gospels Five gold rings The first five books of the Bible Six geese a-laying The six days of creation Seven swans a-swimming The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit Eight maids a-milking The Beatitudes Nine ladies dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit Ten lords a-leaping The ten commandments Eleven pipers piping The eleven faithful disciples Twelve drummers drumming The twelve points of the apostle creed Thanks For Visiting