The Real Twelve Days of Christmas: The Story Behind the Song

by Helen C. Haidle

What do eleven lords a-leaping have to do with Jesus' disciples? In the well-known carol, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas,' the lyrics were used to teach children Christian doctrine during a time of persecution in sixteenth-century England. The partridge, turtledoves, French hens, calling birds, and other images all symbolized elements of the Christian faith. In The Real Twelve Days of Christmas, you'll learn the history of the lyrics and gain a new appreciation for this familiar carol.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1997

About the author

Helen Haidle is an award-winning author of more than 30 children’s books including What Would Jesus Do?, What Did Jesus Promise?, and He is Alive. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband David.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress]

I was having a discussion with a church friend about whether it was valuable to enjoy Christmas on a spiritual level with all the commercialism and pagan connections of the holiday. I love Christmas, and I have since I was a child. It isn't even about getting gifts for me. It's about the wonder of the season. As a believer of Jesus, I think there is pressure going both ways for you as far as Christmas. One one hand, you are encouraged to like the holiday season but give no relevance to Christmas or its origins. On the other hand, some Christians reject Christmas as a pagan holiday with no significance to the actual celebration of the coming of the Messiah as a human baby. It makes you feel kind of squeezed from both sides at times. Honestly, though, I will continue to be a Christmas freak until I leave this earth. So I appreciated when my friend loaned me this book to read about one of my favorite Christmas songs, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

It's a short, easy read, since it's actually a children's book. Short but very meaningful for those who profess faith in Jesus, and even to those who wonder what Christians believe. The song dates back to a time in England where there was much religious persecution and people weren't allowed to express beliefs that didn't go along with the official state church. People used songs to teach about their faith in code (coincidentally, this was also done with Negro Spiritual sang in the field during the American slavery period to communicate about the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom). This code is spelled out in the song. I won't go into that because it would spoil the joy of reading the book, since each day is explained as far as its spiritual relevance. However, I will say that this song will now mean so much more to me now when I sing it.

Christmas is a joyful time, and it's also a tough time because of the stress associated with it. The rat race and the focus on buying presents and keeping up with the commercial cast of the holiday can steal some of that joy. However, I believe that there is simple pleasure in celebrating the holiday with songs such as this and in allowing the power of knowing that light broke into the world in the form of God as a baby who would grow up to suffer and die for the sins of everyone who ever lived, and many Christmas songs convey exactly that. It is wonderful to know that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is also one of those songs.

[Karen]

If you could take an urban myth and make a book out of it, filling it with cute illustrations, this is how you do it. Don't forget to market the story as true.

It is not true that this popular, annoying song was written with hidden meanings. It's more likely an old "memory game" in which the participants forfeited a kiss if they messed up.

Cute book, though.

[Darla]

At this time of year it is interesting to find out the story behind songs that we have sung since childhood. The Twelve Days of Christmas sparks imaginations year after year and can be fun to sing. Did you know that there was a time beginning in the sixteenth century when parents in England used this song as a catechism tool? Catechism seems to have a bit of a bad rep these days. Quite simply, catechism is a memory and learning device for biblical truths. Thus in the song, the partridge was the gift of Jesus and the pear tree represented the cross, the two turtledoves represented the offering Mary and Joseph made in the temple after his birth, and so on. The artwork in this book is a wonderful complement to each page and I am thankful to know the fascinating history of this popular Christmas carol.

[Kerri]

This is such a sweet and meaningful take on the classic “12 Days of Christmas.” I love how it teaches kids the real story and traditions behind the song in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and it kept my child’s attention all the way through. A perfect holiday read-aloud that combines learning with the joy of Christmas.

[Nancy]

I had no idea that there was so much meaning to the song. Really enjoyed learning about the relationship between the song and Christian beliefs.

[Vanessa]

great way to learn how early Christians told the stories from the Bible by making the story into this song. They were being persecuted and this helped hide what they were doing

[Marsha]

One of the joys of being a book reader isn’t just reading different books for new information. It’s about discovering new interpretations of works you thought you already understood. Ever wonder why your true love would give you six laying geese or 11 pipers or 12 lords jumping all over the place? Here are the answers.

With its extraordinary insight into a common Christmas carol, this slim book outlines the religious significance that lies behind each of those weird gifts we’re supposed to receive on the 12 days between Christmas and the Epiphany. The song was crafted as a sort of hidden code for people forced to hide their religion. When the ban was lifted, the meaning behind each of these odd presents faded into obscurity.

So this book is a fascinating look behind an old song. The text is also accompanied by glorious watercolors, each almost shining from the page. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer, especially for those who like the notion of keeping Christ in Christmas. But it’s a grand present for any bibliophile regardless of denomination.

[Jessica]

I liked learning the history behind this song, but it was a little dry to read to my younger kids. They lost interest quite quickly.