The Story Behind "A Partridge in a Pear Tree"
Perhaps you’re like me. Nothing warms my heart more than a great Christmas story! Our family library of Christmas classics includes A Christmas Carol (naturellement), Santa’s Favorite Story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, and The Huron Carol.
Perhaps you’re like me. Nothing warms my heart more than a great Christmas story! Our family library of Christmas classics includes A Christmas Carol (naturellement), Santa’s Favorite Story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, and The Huron Carol.
One of our children’s favorite picture books, The Real 12 Days of Christmas tells the legend behind the famous carol about the Partridge in a Pear Tree. Written by Helen Haidle, this book is beautifully illustrated, easy for kids to follow, and suggests a deeper meaning than what's apparent on the surface. I highly recommend it for your family.
History of this Famous Song
Who among us hasn’t labored to keep up with the relentless pace of these famous lyrics: “Twelve drummers drumming, eleven maids-a-milking, ten lords a leaping… and so on.” It makes me giddy!
But did you know why and when the song became popular?
In the sixteenth century, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. For the next three centuries, those who refused to join the Church of England used this carol as a catechism song to teach young Catholics the basics of their faith.
Two levels of meaning can be assigned to the verses: the obvious surface meaning we’re all familiar with, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church.
Twelve Biblical Truths Written in Code
Each element in the carol (partridge, dove, hen, bird etc.) was intended to be a code word for a biblical truth that Catholic children could remember easily. De-coded, they are as follows:
1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
(The tree is the cross.)
Each element in the carol (partridge, dove, hen, bird etc.) was intended to be a code word for a biblical truth that Catholic children could remember easily. De-coded, they are as follows:1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
(The tree is the cross.)
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stood for gold, frankincense and myrrh (gifts of the Magi); faith, hope, and love; or the Holy Trinity.
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
5. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy
(Rom 12:6-8).
(Rom 12:6-8).
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control (Gal 5:22-23).
11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Fact or Urban Legend?
Some researchers have argued that the history behind this carol is false. One writer connects it to another similar song that contained an open catechism, "In Those Twelve Days." She says,
"What I discovered after a year's worth of investigation, was that there is no evidence that this particular song was even old enough to be used as a catechism during Catholic restrictions… I concluded that the 12 Days of Christmas was not a secret catechism, but can be used as a summary of faith, giving a contemporary meaning to the days… In addition, the story also reminds us of how songs were often used to convey articles or truths of the faith in societies that learned more from the spoken (or sung) word than the written."—Gretchen Passantino
Some researchers have argued that the history behind this carol is false. One writer connects it to another similar song that contained an open catechism, "In Those Twelve Days." She says,"What I discovered after a year's worth of investigation, was that there is no evidence that this particular song was even old enough to be used as a catechism during Catholic restrictions… I concluded that the 12 Days of Christmas was not a secret catechism, but can be used as a summary of faith, giving a contemporary meaning to the days… In addition, the story also reminds us of how songs were often used to convey articles or truths of the faith in societies that learned more from the spoken (or sung) word than the written."—Gretchen Passantino
I have to agree. If you read the lyrics to "In Those Twelve Days," you'll see the remarkable correspondence between the two songs. Still, I think it’s valuable to teach our children another level meaning to a Christmas carol that might otherwise be a fun but rather frivolous song like Jingle Bells.
Related
• A Brief Overview of the Feast of Epiphany (Also called “Three King’s Day,” “Twelfth Day,” and “Twelfth Night.”)
Photos: Google Images
Coming Soon—Jesus' Remarkable Family Tree
Should every Christmas carol have a sacred message? Is Jingle Bells OK?
Should every Christmas carol have a sacred message? Is Jingle Bells OK?
8 Comments:
I love all the carols of Christmas for different reasons. I love the hymns of Christ birth the most, but then the others remind me of winter, warmth, and making memories. I try to just enjoy the music, not worry over "why aren't they all Christian". While watching Handel's Messiah the other night I leaned over to my friend and said that music should divide. It is so beautiful, and such a wonderful gift from God! Now I will say anything that jokes of God is not appropriate though.
I love Christmas carols, too - especially the old ones. My preference is for songs celebrating the birth of Jesus - but I like Jingle Bells, too.
This is too cool e-Mom, I would have never known. Facinating. Have a great week. I think I will try to find that book. Hugs.
What an interesting read this was!! thanks!!
I LOVE Christmas Carols...most of them are just so lovely! and yes we like Jingle Bells as well. The one i do NOT like is Rocking around the xmas tree....UGH! that song just gets on my nerves!!! lol....my fave carol is "Do You Hear What I HEar?" and O Holy Night. I also love The Nutcracker Suite and Messiah
A Stone Gatherer: I'm with you. I love all Christmas music--well most of it. A few Santa songs seem silly! The Messiah is outrageous isn't it?
April: You seem well-balanced with a good attitude! :~D
Lynn: Thanks for stopping by. I love all the opportunities to be in the Word (books, music etc.) at Christmas. I hope you can find this book. It's lovely. :~D
Faith: I like the same music you do. All the old Christms music has survived across years and years. I believe we've been handed down the best of the best. Maybe that's why it's so beloved. :~D
Fascinating. I like the idea of Catholic families quietly teaching this song to their children to reinforce their faith, even if it isn't true.
There's a lovely children's book called "The Thirteen Days of Christmas" by Jenny Overton, also based around this song. It's got a lot of old English traditions that used to be celebrated around Christmastime which is also interesting.
Buffy: Will you blog about your book for us? :~D
Of course :)
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