Catholics in England were forbidden to practice their faith openly during the years from 1558 to 1829. This song was developed to communicate their gift of faith in coded lyrics. The 12 days run from 25 December Christmas to 6 January (Epiphany). The True Love refers to God. The repetition of the melody signifies God's continual renewal of His gift.
| Gift | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 Partridge in a Pear Tree | Jesus Christ, the Son of God |
| 2 Turtle Doves | Old and New Testaments |
| 3 French Hens | Faith, Hope, and Charity (Theological Virtues) |
| 4 Calling Birds | Four Gospels or Four Evangelists |
| 5 Golden Rings | First Five Books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch) |
| 6 Geese a-Laying | Six Days of Creation |
| 7 Swans a-Swimming | Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Seven Sacraments |
| 8 Maids a-Milking | Eight Beatitudes |
| 9 Ladies Dancing | Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit |
| 10 Lords a-Leaping | Ten Commandments |
| 11 Pipers Piping | Eleven Faithful Apostles |
| 12 Drummers Drumming | Twelve Points of the Apostles' Creed |
A partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The partridge will feign injury to protect nestlings who are defenseless, just as we are before Satan without Christ. The pear tree is the symbol of the salvation of humanity, just as the apple tree signifies human downfall. Christ is the ultimate gift from the True Love (God) to the world.
Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Old Testament sacrifice offered by even the poorest of people in Israel (with which Christ was redeemed by His parents at His presentation in the Temple). They remind us of the unity and continuity of God's revelation.
Three French hens, valued for their beauty and rarity, symbolize the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity, as well as the gifts of the three Wise Men (gold, frankincense, and myrrh).
Four calling birds represent the Four Gospels or Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and also the four major prophets who announced His coming. They proclaim the message of Christ to the world.
Five golden rings symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch), which form the foundation of God's law. They also represent the five most precious Crucifixial Wounds of Christ, the perfect circle of faith, and the five obligatory sacraments (Baptism, Penance, the Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, and Extreme Unction).
Six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation, reminding us of God's creative power and the goodness of the created world.
Seven swans a-swimming are the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), the seven Sacraments, and the seven Works of Mercy (both corporal and spiritual).
Eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes preached by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, as well as the eight occasions during the year that were prescribed at that time for the reception of the Holy Eucharist.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, and faithfulness), and also the nine ranks of angel choirs who surround the Throne of God.
Ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments, the moral law given by God to Moses and binding on all Christians.
Eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful Apostles who proclaimed the Resurrection of Jesus, remaining true after the betrayal of Judas.
Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed, the twelve minor Prophets of the Old Testament, the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the twelve Apostles (their number being restored after Pentecost), and the twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost. Twelve is also the Scriptural number representing completeness and fairness.