French
Hens were very expensive during the 16th century, and thus are symbolic of the
three costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given by the wise men (Matt. 2:10-11).
An alternate significance is symbolism depicting the value of the three Christ virtues,
faith, hope, and charity (sacrificial love) (1 Cor. 13:13). Other forms of the song use
the French Hens to symbolize the three persons of the trinity.
Four Calling Birds
The
Calling Birds stand for the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (see John
20:30-31).
Five Golden Rings
The
Rings stand for the first five books of the Old Testament, the "law of Moses" so
often referenced in scripture, the "Torah" as they are called by Jews. The Torah
tells the story of man's fall into sin and reconciliation through the Messiah (see Luke
24:25-27).
Six Geese A-laying
Eggs
are an almost universal symbol of new life. The "laying" geese, therefore, stand
for the six days of creation (Gen. 1:31-2:2)
Seven Swans a
Swimming
The
swans symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in Romans 12:6-8:
We
have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let
him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching,
let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs
of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it
is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Eight Maids
A-milking
The
maids who milked the cows were the least of the servants in a home. Their job symbolized
Christ's faithfulness even to us who don't deserve his love (Rom. 5:1-5). The eight maids
stand for the eight "beatitudes" or blessings listed in Matthew 5:3-10:
Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed
are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed
are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed
are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed
are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Nine Ladies Dancing
The
nine ladies remind us of the nine "fruits of the Spirit" described in Galatians
5:22-23:
But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Ten Lords A-leaping
Lords
established the law in their own jurisdictions. The Lords stand for the Ten Commandments
(Ex. 20:3-17), which are holy and good, by which we should live, and by which we are
justly condemned because of our sin (Gal. 3:10-28).
Eleven Pipers
Piping
The
Pipers remind us of the eleven original apostles who did not forsake the faith (Acts 1:13)
as Judas did in betraying Christ (John 17:12); and through whom the good news of the
gospel was preached "to the whole world" (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 10:18-21).
Twelve Drummers
Drumming
The
Apostles' Creed is one of the earliest "confessions" of faith that summarize the
basic teachings of biblical Christian faith. Orthodox confessions are not meant to add to
or replace scripture, but to summarize its teachings. They can be recited at will to
remind us of the basics of the Christian faith. The Drummers "set the pace,"
reminders of what we believe by symbolizing the twelve doctrines summarized in the
Apostles' Creed:
I
believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, we crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the third day he rose from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
He shall return to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy Catholic church, the communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting. Amen.
