oh, those wacky English...

In case you never asked, what in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially that pesky partridge stuck the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Here’s the answer…

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to openly practice their faith, so the carol was created as a catechism song for young Catholics, each image being a code for religious lessons the children could remember. Thus:

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

The Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Now, remember that for next Xmas. Otherwise you will be tortured.