From December 25 through January 5, the Twelve Days of Christmas celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth and lead us toward Epiphany. A popular belief holds that the gifts in the familiar carol held hidden meanings used by Catholics to remember and pass down the faith during times of persecution in England. Today, these symbols offer a joyful way to remember the truths of our faith throughout the Christmas season.

1 Partridge · Jesus Christ
2 Turtle Doves · Old & New Testaments
3 French Hens · Faith, Hope & Charity
4 Calling Birds · Four Gospels
5 Golden Rings · First Five Books of the Bible
6 Geese a Laying · Six Days of Creation
7 Swans a Swimming · Gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids a Milking · Eight Beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing · Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords a Leaping · Ten Commandments
11 Pipers Piping · Faithful Apostles
12 Drummers Drumming · Apostles’ Creed

From the partridge to the drummers, each gift can serve as a little reminder of the truths of our faith and the reason for the Christmas season: Jesus Christ.