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Santa Claus Costumes and Customs:
The 12 Days of Christmas
 For many Christians, the Christmas season reaches a
climax at midnight Mass or other religious services
on Christmas Eve. For some families, this is exactly
when our favorite saint, Santa Claus visits, when no
one is home. People sing Christmas carols and
listen to readings from the Gospels of Saint Luke
and Saint Matthew. Priests and ministers speak to
the congregations about the coming of Christ and the
need for peace and understanding among all people.
Christmas Day is the official beginning of the
Christmas season! It is the day the tree is
decorated, if it has not been decorated on each of
the Advent Sundays. It is the day the manger
caresses the baby Jesus. It is the first Day of
Christmas!
There are 12 Days of Christmas. It begins on
Christmas Day and ends at Midnight on the 6th of
January.
There are a lot of rumors about "The Twelve Days of
Christmas", an old French song that first showed in
English written form in the children's book "Mirth
Without Mischief" in A.D. 1780. One rumor is that it
was a catechism in code, used by Catholics to pass
the Faith down to their children during the
Cromwell-led persecutions in England and Ireland.
The supposed symbolism goes like this:
Partridge in a Pear Tree the 1 Christ
2 Turtle Doves the 2 Testaments, Old and New
3 French Hens the 3 Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope
and Charity
4 Colly Birds the 4 Gospels and the 4 Evangelists
5 Golden Rings the first 5 Books of the Old
Testament (Torah)
6 Geese A-laying the 6 days of Creation
7 Swans A-swimming the 7 Sacraments, the 7 Gifts of
the Holy Ghost
8 Maids A-milking the 8 Beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping the 10 Commandments
11 Pipers Piping the 11 faithful Apostles
12 Drummers Drumming the 12 points of doctrine in
the Creed
The Christmas season generally ends on Epiphany, January 6. In
Western Christian churches, Epiphany celebrates the
coming of the Wise Men to the Christ child. Among
Eastern Christians, this day celebrates Jesus'
baptism.
French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night
included a King's Cake, remembering the visit
of the Three Magi, and ale or wine (a King's Cake is
part of the observance of
Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the
Southern USA)In some cultures, the King's Cake
was part of the celebration of the day of
Epiphany.
Let's have a sing-a-long! Music and lyrics to
Christmas' most popular songs, including
"The 12 Days of
Christmas"
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