The Twelve Days of Christmas is actually a catechism song.
Between the years 1558-1829, English Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Without regular mass, sacraments, or catechism lessons from the priest, there was little parents could do to help their children learn and remember all out their fitith. This song was created to keep the Catholic faith in their lives, even though hidden for the time.
Instead of referring to an autor, the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents symbolises every baptized person. A partridge in a pear treet is Jesus Christ. A mother partridge will feign injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings. The children hearing this song would know that and would understand the parallel between the acts of a mother bird, and the sacrifice of Christ.
The other symbols continue the symbolism:

· 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, which give the history of mants fall from grace;
· 6 geese laying — the six days of creation;
· 7 swans a swirnming — seven gifts of the Holy Spirit;
· 8 maids milking — the eight Beatitudes
· 9 ladies dancing — nine choirs of angels;
· 10 lords leaping — the Ten Commandments;
· 11 pipers piping — the eleven faithifil Apostles;
· 12 drummers drumming — the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Bruno Oliveira N.º 9, 9.º C

1 - Prepares meals.
2 - Works in a hospital.
3 - Is responsible for an orchestra.
4 - Drives a bus.
5 - Plays the piano.
6 - Does magic tricks.
7 - Always wears a suit and tie.
8 - Serves meals in a restaurant.
9 - Flies an aeroplane.
10 - Works in a bank.
11 - Types letters.

Andreia Pinto, 8.º D