the twelve Days of Christmas
1st Day. . . A partridge in a pear tree
2nd Day. . . Two turtle doves
3rd Day. . . Three French hens
4th Day. . . Four calling birds
5th Day. . . Five gold rings
6th Day. . . Six geese a laying
7th Day. . . Seven swans a swimming
8th Day. . . Eight maids a milking
9th Day. . . Nine ladies dancing
10th Day. . . Ten lords a leaping
11th Day. . . Eleven pipers piping
12th Day. . . Twelve drummers drumming
What the gifts are said to represent
Partridge Jesus Christ
Two turtle doves The Old and New Testament
Three French hens Faith, hope and charity (the three
theological virtues)
Four calling birds Four Gospels
Five gold rings First five books of the Old Testament
Six geese Six days of creation
Seven swans Seven sacraments
Eight maids Eight Beatitudes
Nine ladies Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten lords The Ten Commandments
Eleven pipers The eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve drummers The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed