30 December 2007

Fifth Day of Christmas




On The Fifth Day of Christmas
My True Love Gave To Me
Five Golden Rings

The Five Golden Rings represent the Torah (First Five Books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Duteronomy).







Four Calling Birds














Three French Hens





Two Turtledoves







And A Partridge In A Pear Tree

Almost everyone is familiar with the song without being aware of the symbolism and legends associated with each of the days.The 12 Days of Christmas actually begin at sundown on Christmas day (December 25) and proceed evening/day until the morning of January 6 or Epiphany which marks the celebration of the arrival of the Three Kings with their gifts for the Christ Child in the Church Calendar. This is the official period of Christmastide.

By legend each of the 12 days has a liturgical meaning used to teach children, the illiterate, and those not allowed to practice their faith openly due to religious persecution. Thus the "first day" is Jesus because the partridge will lay down its life to save its young. Day 2 is the Old and New Testament. Day 3 Faith, Hope and Charity or three gifts of the Magi (Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh). Day 4 The Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

3 comments:

Linda said...

Really? I never knew! I am loving this series but come on now, no more Hugh Jackman??

Durward Discussion said...

Just scroll down. Though I could start putting up some of the pin ups. Doesn't seem quite proper with this series.

Of course 12th Night is a costume ball.

enigma4ever said...

Hugh is good with any series :-)