From
1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice
their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a
catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the
surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their
church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality,
which the children could remember.
The song is a parable of the fundamental tenets of the Christian Faith,
written to be sung and remind one of the true blessings of Christmas:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree = The Partridge is JESUS.
2 Turtle
Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch",
which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
