“The Twelve Days of Christmas” carol has held several meanings across cultures and time periods, but one understanding is that it was used in England to catechize children in the late 18th century. Each gift was used to represent a different tenet of our Christian faith, and the “true love” mentioned in the song refers to God himself, the giver of all these gifts. The Partridge represents Jesus Christ as the first gift, a bird that dies to protect its young.
Inside reads: "May this holy season bring you joy as you cherish the greatest gift given to mankind-the Word made flesh."
Details:
Comes in a boxed set of 10.
Original watercolor illustrations by Jana Zuniga
Size: A2 (4.25 x 5.5 in.)
118 Pt Cotton Natural White Paper
Includes 10 Kraft envelopes
Here are all 12 symbols included on the back of the card:
1 Partridge in a Pear Tree, Jesus Christ and his Church / 2 Turtle Doves , The Old and New Testaments / 3 French Hens, Faith, Hope and Charity / 4 Calling Birds, the Four Gospels / 5 Golden Rings, The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch" / 6 Geese A-laying, the six days of creation / 7 Swans A-swimming, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit / 8 Maids A-milking, the eight beatitudes/ 9 Ladies Dancing, the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit / 10 Lords A-leaping, the ten commandments / 11 Pipers Piping, the eleven faithful apostles / 12 Drummers Drumming, the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed