So, be honest: have you actually memorized all the gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas yet? No judgment here, but most of us barely make it to “five gooooolden riiings!” before mumbling the rest. But did you know this song isn’t just about random birds and overly generous true loves? Nope. It might actually be a sneaky, genius way to teach the Catholic faith! 

During those rough years of Catholic persecution in England (1558-1829), when catechizing openly could land you in serious trouble, this seemingly innocent carol may have been a covert way to help Catholic kiddos (and adults!) memorize key truths of the faith. 

Timmerie explains what each verse really means:

Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus, who’s all about self-sacrificing love.

Two Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments, reminding us that God’s story is one big love letter.

Three French Hens = Faith, Hope, and Charity: those powerhouse theological virtues.

Four Calling Birds = The Four Gospels.

Five Golden Rings = The Torah (the first five books of the Bible, where it all begins).

Six Geese A-Laying = The six days of creation.

Seven Swans A-Swimming = The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Graceful and full of purpose!)

Eight Maids A-Milking = The Beatitudes. (Milking the blessings of the Sermon on the Mount.)

Nine Ladies Dancing = The fruits of the Holy Spirit, aka what happens when grace is working in your life.

Ten Lords A-Leaping = The Ten Commandments. (Obeying God’s law = spiritual leaps and bounds!)

Eleven Pipers Piping = The eleven faithful Apostles.

Twelve Drummers Drumming = The twelve articles of faith in the Apostles’ Creed. (Drumming that truth into your heart.)

Timmerie totally nailed it when she said this song invites us to go deeper into our faith while having a little fun along the way. So next time you hear it (which, let’s be honest, will be at least 20 times before Christmas), let it remind you of the richness of our Catholic faith. 

P.S. Got this stuck in your head now? Same. You’re welcome.