According to modern folklore, the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” was written to help young believers learn about their faith.

Although no evidence proves that claim, some say the popular carol contains these codes:

• The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
• Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
• Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
• The four calling birds are the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
• The five golden rings are the Law: the first five books of the Old Testament.
• The six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation.
• Seven swans a-swimming represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy.
• The eight maids a-milking are Jesus’ eight beatitudes.
• Nine ladies dancing are the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
• The 10 lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
• The 11 pipers piping stand for the 11 faithful disciples.
• The 12 drummers drumming symbolize the 12 statements of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.