Episode 2809: 12 Days of Christmas Song explained by Gianna

So the period from Christmas Day to the Epiphany (Arrival of the 3 Kings – Magi) on January 6th is called the Christmas Tide or the 12 days of Christmas.
You may all know the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" but did you know that song was a training for many Catholics and each verse has a symbolic meanings Each "gift" in the song is said to represent a key aspect of the Catholic faith. But before we get into the song and its 12 gifts let talk about when was it written and who wrote it.
Earliest Appearance: The song first appeared in print in 1780 in England in a children's book titled “Mirth Without Mischief”. It was presented as a memory-and-forfeits game, where participants had to recite the verses correctly or face a penalty.
Music: The melody most commonly associated with the song today is derived from a traditional English folk tune. However, the arrangement we recognize now was popularized in 1909 by English composer Frederic Austin, who added elements like the iconic "five golden rings" phrase.
Authorship: The original author of the lyrics is unknown, as it was likely part of the oral tradition before being transcribed. It may have originated in France or England, as variations of the song exist in both cultures.
Purpose: While some claim it was used as a catechetical tool for persecuted Catholics in England during the 16th to 18th centuries, there is no historical evidence to substantiate this theory. Most scholars believe it was simply a festive song or a game.
In summary, "The 12 Days of Christmas" is an anonymous creation that emerged in the late 18th century and evolved through folk traditions and musical adaptations.
A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Jesus Christ, symbolized as a partridge, which is known to sacrifice itself to protect its young.
Two Turtle Doves - The Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Three French Hens - The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (love).
Four Calling Birds - The four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Five Golden Rings - The first five books of the Old Testament which recount humanity’s fall and God’s plan for redemption.
Six Geese a-Laying - The six days of creation.
Seven Swans a-Swimming - The seven gifts of the Holy
Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord) or the seven sacraments.
Eight Maids a-Milking - The eight Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–10).
Nine Ladies Dancing - The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).
Ten Lords a-Leaping - The Ten Commandments.
Eleven Pipers Piping - The eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas )
Twelve Drummers Drumming - The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.