"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a British carol that was sung by Catholics in England from 1558 until 1829 when they could not publicly practice their faith. This became a catechism song that contained hidden meanings.
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus on the wood of the cross. The mother partridge feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings; one who is willing to sacrifice self for the life of others. Jesus is the person who is willing to die for all and by doing that becomes our savior.
Two Turtle Doves - the Old and New Testaments
Three French Hens - faith, hope, and love
Four Calling Birds - the evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Five Golden Rings - the first five books of the Old Testament
Six Geese-a-laying - the six days of creation
Seven swans-a-swimming - the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight maids-a-milking - the beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing - the fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten lords-a-leaping - the ten commandments
Eleven pipers piping - the faithful disciples (minus Judas)
Twelve drummers drumming - the basic points of the Apostles' Creed
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