Don’t forget that Christmas is not exactly over. The 12 Days of Christmas was not a “countdown” to Christmas Day, it begins on Christmas and end with the Epiphany on Jan. 6th. The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly person, it refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.
1 Partrige in a pear tree = Christ
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