Today is day 2.
2 Turtle Doves - refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens - refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds - refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings - refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace
6 Geese a laying - refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans a swimming - refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids a milking - refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing - refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords a leaping - refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping - refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming - refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
Day 2 of "what", you ask?
Well, this is pretty cool -- something that I wasn't aware of.
Today is day 2 of the "12 Days of Christmas".
Huh?
Yup, I said that right.... day 2 of the "12 Days of Christmas".
Unbeknownst to me, the "12 Days" START on Christmas.... and aren't the 12 days leading up to Christmas.
I looked into this further and learned several other things......
The "12 Days of Christmas" song dates back to English origins in the sixteenth century (although the music is reputed to be French).
The 12 days mentioned (over and over) in the song are the 12 days between the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) and the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6).
"Epiphany" is a Christian festival commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi (3 Wise Men).
This period of twelve days is also referred to as "Christmastide" or "Twelve-tide". (aren't these both funky words? I mean, seriously, have any of you actually used either of them?)
Some are of the opinion that there is religious symbolism represented by the "12 Days":
1 - True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves - refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens - refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds - refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings - refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace
6 Geese a laying - refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans a swimming - refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids a milking - refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing - refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords a leaping - refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping - refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming - refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
Interesting stuff.
And all this time, I thought the song was about some guy with a knack for the unusual buying his "true love" a bunch of wacked-out gifts.
Out for now.....
Matt
