Twisted Christmas~

As with many things across our culture today the heritage and story behind the Twelve Days of
Christmas has been mangled.

This particular Christian observance may have been hijacked by eggnog swillers and little elves who choose to rewrite those things that would bring glory and honor to celebrating the birth of the Savior of the world.

For months now I have committed to take nothing for granted, to start from scratch and research my values and traditions, to make sure what I believe is not based on lies or half-truths.

This journey, while time consuming and sometimes tedious, has helped solidify my foundational beliefs.
As with many of our Western “traditions” The Twelve Days of Christmas is actually an historical Church tradition that begins on Christmas day and ends on the beginning of Epiphany (the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season).
This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake also is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA)).

The familiar "Twelve Days of Christmas” song is not just a nonsense version for children with secular origins; it is a song with hidden meanings steeped in traditional Christian instruction. It’s believed, but not proved, that it was used during the 16th century by the Catholic faith as a secret means of preserving Christian tenets.

There are those who have questioned the historical accuracy saying this version actually is a myth.
(http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp)

Although there is not “hard” evidence to prove it true there really is none to refute the Catholic story either. So, since there’s no “proof” either way and it certainly is not worthy of a “crusade” to prove one way or the other, I vote that those reading this make the choice for themselves how to perceive the classic song, realizing that many of the symbols we use for Christmas, even including the date, are not inherently religious.

What I believe is important for Christians to remember at Christmas is the reason for the season, Christ; that we encourage our friends, neighbors and families to rejoice the birth of the Light of the world.

Hopefully this writing will inspire you to search, pray and reflect on your beliefs this Christmas season and to share your findings with others as we step into the beginning of a new year, a chance to change our world for the better becoming informed, engaged and empowered.

With all this in mind, here’s what the research I’ve done says are the intended religious symbolism of the “Twelve Days of Christmas:”

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 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 points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

P.S.   I was sent this video by a friend on facebook and it is truly AMAZING~ Enjoy~ http://www.ignitermedia.com/mini-movies/1905/A-Social-Network-Christmas