Origin of ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’?
Monday, December 18th, 2006Does this Christmas song date from the persecution of the Catholics in England? Is it symbolism?
This is the possibility - that
The partridge in a pear tree refers to God
The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
The three French hens are the three Persons of the holy Trinity (or the gifts of the Wise Men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh)
The four calling birds are the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The five gold rings are the first five books of the Bible, the law (the Pentateuch).
Six geese a-laying are the six days of the Creation.
Seven swans a-swimming are the seven sacraments or the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful Apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve doctrines in the Apostles’ Creed.
What do you think? Is this true, or have these meanings just been added to a children’s ryhme?
And is that how you spell ryhme?!
catholic chuch church origin partridge pear religion song tree


