While most of us are familiar with the carol “12 Days of Christmas,” few know the history of the festive days known as the 12 days of Christmas. It was the period between the celebrated birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day to the day the 3 wise men, or Magi, visited Jesus in Bethlehem. These days were lavishly celebrated in England in the 1500s, or the time of the Tudors. The earliest known version of the carol did not appear in 1780. Below is a quick summary of the festivities and how the gifts in the song may have related to the historic holiday.
24 December – Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, Tudor households prepared their hearts and homes for the birth of Christ. Fasting was observed (we obviously lost this custom!), abstaining from meat, cheese, and eggs to focus on spiritual readiness. Homes were decorated with holly, ivy, and mistletoe, representing eternal life through Christ. The "partridge in a pear tree," a symbol of Jesus as the tree of life, foreshadowed the feasts and blessings of the season.
25 December – Christmas Day
The first day of Christmas began with Midnight Mass, a joyous celebration of the birth of Christ. Church bells rang, candles illuminated the sanctuary, and hymns filled the air. After worship, families feasted on lavish dishes like roasted meats, pies, and frumenty. The "partridge in a pear tree" symbolized the incarnation of Christ, the single gift of salvation given by God to the world.
26 December – The Feast of St. Stephen
On the second day, St. Stephen’s Day honored the first Christian martyr, who gave his life for his faith. Inspired by his example, people opened church alms boxes and distributed money and food to the poor. The "two turtle doves" represented the Old and New Testaments, a testament to God’s covenant and love. This day was filled with charity and the message of Christ’s generosity.
27 December – The Feast of St. John
The third day celebrated St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist, who proclaimed the divinity of Christ. Families gathered to share spiced wine, symbolizing St. John’s miracle of drinking poisoned wine unharmed. "Three French hens," may represent faith, hope, and charity, reminding people of the virtues central to Christian life and the Holy Trinity.
28 December – Childermas (Feast of the Holy Innocents)
The fourth day mourned the children martyred by King Herod in his attempt to kill baby Jesus. Families reflected on the innocence and suffering of these children, whose sacrifice pointed to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The "four calling birds" may symbolize the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—spreading the good news of salvation to the world. The day mixed somber remembrance with the joyful role reversal of children leading the household.
29 December – The Feast of St. Thomas Becket
On the fifth day, St. Thomas Becket, a martyr for his defense of the Church, was honored. Pilgrimages and prayers were common, as people reflected on steadfast faith in the face of adversity. The "five golden rings" might represent the eternal nature of Christ’s love, the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch), and the unbroken promise of salvation. Feasting and storytelling brought families together.
30 December – A Day of Merrymaking
The sixth day was a time of joy and abundance, with singing, dancing, and games. The "six geese a-laying" could symbolize the six days of creation, a reminder of God’s power and generosity. Feasts continued with goose as a centerpiece, and people praised God for His bountiful provision and the gift of life.
31 December – New Year’s Eve
The seventh day of Christmas brought lively celebrations, marking the close of the old year and the start of the new. Rich and poor alike played games and sports, while the "seven swans a-swimming" symbolized the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. People reflected on these gifts, praying for renewal and grace in the year ahead.
1 January – New Year’s Day
On the eighth day, Christians celebrated the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, marking His dedication under the Law. This day was also traditional for gift-giving (not Christmas day), with "eight maids a-milking" symbolizing the Beatitudes and Christ’s call to serve humbly. At court, Henry VIII exchanged luxurious gifts, while families offered simple tokens of love and gratitude.
2 January – A Day of Rest and Reflection
The ninth day offered a chance for rest and spiritual reflection after days of celebration. The "nine ladies dancing" symbolized the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Families prayed and attended church, thanking God for His blessings and seeking His guidance for the coming days.
3 January – The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
The tenth day honored the name of Jesus, the name above all names. Special church services and hymns celebrated the salvation brought through Christ. The "ten lords a-leaping" represented the Ten Commandments, a reminder of God’s covenant and the foundation of Christian life. The day blended devotion with preparation for the upcoming Twelfth Night celebrations.
4 January – Preparations for Twelfth Night
On the eleventh day, homes were filled with activity as families prepared for the grand festivities of Twelfth Night. The "eleven pipers piping" symbolized the eleven faithful apostles, who carried Christ’s message to the world. Bakers created Twelfth Night cakes, and musicians practiced hymns and dances, ensuring the evening would glorify God and bring joy to all.
5 January – Twelfth Night
The twelfth day of Christmas marked the end of the season, celebrated with feasting, music, and plays. At court, masques and banquets honored the journey of the Magi to worship the Christ child. The "twelve drummers drumming" represented the twelve points of faith in the Apostles’ Creed, a testament to the foundations of Christian belief. A Twelfth Night cake, baked with a hidden coin or bean, crowned the celebrations, as the lucky finder led the night’s merriment.
The next day, Epiphany commemorated the arrival of the Magi, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn King. Though the decorations remained until Candlemas, the Twelve Days of Christmas were over, leaving a legacy of faith, joy, and goodwill to carry through the year.
