Let’s talk The 12 Days of Christmas. First let’s look at the cost per the PNC Christmas price index.
A partridge in a pear tree costs $420.18, up 13.5% from last year. The cost of two turtle doves remained constant at $750. Three French hens also cost the same as last year at $346.50. The price of four calling birds is $599.96 and has remained there since 2014. Five gold rings have gone up a whopping 32.5% to a cost of $1,649.90. Six geese a-laying only went up 3.3% to $930. Seven swans a-swimming didn’t change in price, but they are still very expensive at $13,125. Eight maids a-milking didn’t change in price, remaining at $58. This is because the minimum wage hasn’t changed. Nine ladies dancing went up 3.5% to $8,856.88. Ten lords a-leaping cost $16,836.14, up 8.1% from last year. Eleven pipers piping went up a mere 2.2% to $3,797.48. Twelve drummers drumming also went up 2.2% to a cost of $4,106.08. So, the total cost of the 364 gifts, including the repetitions in the song is $218,542.98. That is a total increase of 4.4% over 2024. The current rate of inflation is 2.7%, so these gifts are rising a bit more than they should.
But as with many songs, The 12 Days of Christmas has a deeper meaning. The 12 days run from Christmas Day on December 25 to Epiphany on January 6. Epiphany is sometimes known as Three Kings Day for the magi or wise men. The history of the song is debated, but it was first published in a book in England in 1780 and is believed to be of French origin. The music was composed in 1909. Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly from 1558 to 1829 so many believe the song was a hidden way to teach the tenets of the faith. So, what do each of the items in the song represent?
The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ. A partridge is willing to sacrifice itself for the sake of others, much like the Savior. The two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments. The three French hens are faith, hope and love from 1 Corinthians 13:13. The four calling birds are the four Gospels—Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. The five gold rings represent the five books of the Pentateuch—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These books reveal the human race’s need for a Savior by revealing our sin.
Six geese a-laying represent the six days in which God actively created the world: (Day 1) The light and darkness, night and day; (Day 2) The sky and the atmosphere; (Day 3) The land, sea and vegetation; (Day 4) The sun, moon, stars, and heavenly bodies; (Day 5) The birds of the air and the fish of the sea; (Day 6) God created land animals and man in his own image.
Seven swans a-swimming represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. These gifts are described in Isaiah 11:1-2.
Eight maids a-milking represent the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12: (1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (3) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (4) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (5) Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (6) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (7) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The nine ladies dancing represent the fruits of the Holy Spirit named in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20: (1) I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me; (2) You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain; (3) Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day; (4) Honor your father and your mother; (5) You shall not kill; (6) You shall not commit adultery; (7) You shall not steal; (8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; (9) You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; (10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Eleven pipers piping represent the 11 faithful disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James (the son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot.
The Twelve drummers drumming represent the 12 points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed: (1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; (2) and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord; (3) who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; (4) suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; (5) he descended into hell, on the third day he rose again from the dead; (6) he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; (7) from there he will come to judge the living and the dead; (8) I believe in the Holy Spirit; (9) the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; (10) the forgiveness of sins; (11) the resurrection of the body; (12) and life everlasting.
Remember the reason for the season. Merry Christmas everyone!