Dear All
I have been lurking and working for the last couple of months and have
enjoyed following many of the discussions.This last little spat sure proves
that Christmas is the silly season!My own family usually manages to have the
biggest arguements just before a concert or on a day which should be festive
or serious. And what are we but one happy, temperamental family!!
On another note, a friend sent me this, which I thought I could share with
you in the spirit of Christmas.
Happy and peaceful holidays to all!
Regards
Susi
Cape Town
The 12 days of Christmas
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and
especially that partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do
with Christmas? Today I found out!
From l558 until l829, Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to
practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol
as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning; the
surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their
church.
Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which
the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books
of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy
Spirit.
Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and
Mercy.
The eight maids a milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness,
Self-control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the
Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history lesson for today. I'm not trying to preach
etc. but found it interesting and creative and now I know how that
strange song became a Christmas Carol.
Wasn't that interesting....Merry Christmas everyone.
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