Fourth Day of Christmas

On The Fourth Day of Christmas
My True Love Gave to Me
Four Calling Birds

(The four calling birds represent the Four Gospels)




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.