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For the majority of us, chances are good that you have memories of Christmas holidays gone by. Even if you do not happen to be a Christian, you will most likely give some though and consideration to a season of kindness and reflection. It has been part of every Christmas to sing yuletide carols. Different than the usual trendy music we listen to during most of the year, Christmas songs are traditional classics. Thus, the original meaning and theme related to each holiday song is of interest. One of these songs is "The 12 Days of Christmas". You can listen to this Christmas carol, in it entirety on internet radio. When King Henry VIII started Protestantism in England, Catholics were not allowed to express their form of worship. Not only was it considered irreverent but also it was treated as a criminal offense. Even the possession of the Bible was handled with violence. Nevertheless, Catholics bravely yet silently worshipped incognito. During these difficult days for Catholics, The Twelve Days of Christmas was written. It was originally thought as front for Catholicism to teach children however no evidence proved this accusation so even the Protestants and other non-Catholic believers had begun singing it. The song was crafted to contain symbolic meanings that signified significant themes. The lyrics were carefully crafted to prevent suspicion of the Catholics that delighted in it. Christmas is celebrated across the globe within 12 days. It commences on Christmas day and terminates on January 6, the day of Epiphany. So let's reveal the coded meaning of the lyrics that tricked the Protestant king and his loyal entourage. Within the song God was referenced as the "true love" while the devoted Catholics were referred to as the singer ("me"). The song goes, On the first day of Christmas my true love game to me?. These lyrics are all available on free online music. 1. A "partridge in a pear tree", this line is a reference to Jesus Christ who gave his life as a ransom for many, by dying on a cross. A partridge was often used in those times as a symbol to refer to a divine ruler. 2. "Two turtle doves"this line refers to the two testaments of the Bible, the Old and the New Testaments while doves represent peace. 3. "Three French hens"these refer to the three gifts of the Holy Spirit, faith, love and hope. Sometimes this line can also refer to the Holy Trinity, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 4. "Four calling birds", this is a reference to the four Gospels of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 5. "Five golden rings"this line refers to the Bible's first five books referred to as Pentateuch. 6. "Six geese a-laying"refers to the number of days that everything is created. 7. "Seven swans a swimming"refers to the save gifts of the Holy Spirit 8. "Eight maids a milking", is a reference to the eight Beatitudes of Jesus Christ. 9. "Nine ladies dancing", is a reference to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. 10. "Ten lords a leaping" refers to the Bible's Ten Commandments. 11. "Eleven pipers piping", refers to all of Jesus' eleven faithful disciples 12. "Twelve drummers drumming"refers to the twelve articles that are part of the Apostle's creed. The next time you listen to this Christmas song, for sure that you will be able to appreciate it more. Check out our great music selections at: internet radio To engage in a great musical experience go to: internet radio station
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