Although I have been seriously trying to avoid the pre-Christmas shopping madness...but I had to do it sometimes...and I have to admit...it was hell on earth trying to even walk among all those shoppers...thank god I only had to pick out a few things and then run for my life...

Don't get me wrong, I love the spirit of Christmas...that is if I can get into the spirit...this year i find it extra hard to do so, but trust me I am trying...I even sang along in the department store....

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

You must be familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. For those of you who haven't heard it...well ....tough luck!!!! To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But my curiosity draw me to find out that it had actually a quite serious purpose when it was written, and it is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of strange gifts.

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person...and so on...I found that fascinating....well if you are more curious....read on...

The other symbols mean the following:

Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

so apparently it has nothing to do with love....it is all about faith! go figure...