menu
whatsapp
Coupon Discount

The History & Symbolism Behind the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments

The Twelve Days of Christmas, commonly known as Twelvetide, is a joyous Christian season celebrating Jesus' birth. In certain Western catholic traditions, Christmas Day is considered the "First Day of Christmas", and the Twelve Days are 25 December to 5 January, including 6 January being the thirteenth day in various traditions and languages. Besides, 6 January is sometimes regarded as Twelfth Day/Twelfth Night, with the Twelve Days "of" Christmas occurring after Christmas Day, from 26 December to 6 January.

What is the Origin and History Behind the 12 Days of Christmas?

The 12 Days of Christmas begin on December 25, Jesus' birthday, and complete on January 5, when Magi or the three monarchs are reported to have landed in Bethlehem. All one of the twelve days of Christmas is a feast day and is marked with festivities. Due to the eve of the enlightenment, the final day is the most festive.

  • Day 1: December 25, the birth of Jesus
  • Day 2: St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was born on December 26.
  • Day 3: St. John the Apostle was born on December 27th. He was a disciple of the Lord Jesus.
  • Day 4: December 28, Feast of the Holy Innocents- the infant boys murdered by Herod while searching for baby Jesus.
  • Day 5- December 29, St. Thomas Becket- the 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury, was assassinated after opposing the king's power over the church.
  • Day 6: St. Egwin of Worcester, a Benedictine monk, was born on December 30th.
  • Day 7: December 31, Pope Sylvester I- one of the earliest Popes.
  • Day 8:January 1, Mary- Jesus' mother.
  • Day 9: January 2, St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen- two 4th-century Christians.
  • Day 10: January 3, Holy Name of Jesus Feast- when Jesus was named in the Jewish Temple.
  • Day 11: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint, was born on January 4th.
  • Day 12: January 5, Epiphany Eve- the Magi arrive in Bethlehem for the first time.

Christmas decorations are often removed after the twelve-day celebrations. The twelve gifts represent Jesus and his twelve apostles. A different theory holds that the 12 days correspond to the 12 months of the calendar year.

However, the "12 Days of Christmas" changed, with different meanings forming based on cultural, religious, and historical contexts. 6 January is sometimes seen as 12 Days/ 12 Nights, with the Twelve Days of Christmas lasting from 26 December to 6 January.

Bulk Christmas Ornament Store

The Symbolic Meaning Behind Each Gift in the 12 Days of Christmas

The "12 Days of Christmas" is a well-known Christmas carol that shows a series of gifts distributed over twelve days. There is a religious meaning behind gifts. While the song does not tell us what each gift represents, multiple purposes have arisen. Each present in the music has a symbolic connotation, as follows:

Partridge in a Pear Tree

The partridge was the first presentation at the start of the "12 Days of Christmas.". The partridge symbolises fertility and rebirth as it is known to be inviting to other birds who come to nest in its trees; the partridge is also connected with welcoming guests. Some believe the partridge depicts Jesus Christ.

Turtle doves

The two turtle doves are thought to symbolise the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Doves were also icons of truth and tranquillity, focusing on the connection to Christ and Christmas.

The French Hens

The "French Hens" depict the three stages of man's life: youth, middle age, and old age. It also refers to soul duties like knowledge, selecting and loving.

The Calling Birds

The four calling birds announced the good news of Lord Jesus. The four calling birds were the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Read More: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING BULK CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS AND HOW TO IMPORT THEM ON A BUDGET?

Gold Rings

The Bible's Torah, or Legal Studies, were the first five books of the Old Testament, represented by five golden rings.

Geese-A-Laying

The Geese-A-Laying represent the six days of creation from the Book of Genesis, symbolising God's creation and fertility.

Swans a-Swimming

Swans A-Swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy.

Maids-A- Milking

The eight milkmaids represent the eight beatitudes. The poor in the soul are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Each is a beautiful and delightfully paradoxical essay on how to live a faith-filled life in an uncertain environment.

Ladies Dancing

The nine fruits were Nine Ladies Dancing Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Self Control. This was a part of an old tradition.

Lords A-Leaping

The Lords of the Ten Lords A leap represents the Dictionary (10 Words), or the ten commandments brought down by Moses from the interaction with God on Mount Sinai.

Pipers Piping

Jesus spent the night praying over who He would choose as His closest followers and friends. He picked twelve disciples, and 11 of them were devoted to him. One of them, however, was not trustworthy; he was Judas Iscariot. He was self-centred and betrayed Jesus. But the 11 who remained committed to Jesus transformed the world, and they founded the Church. Their voices were loud, resembling the sound of bagpipes.

12 Drummers drumming is a gift on the twelfth day

Drumming by Twelve Drummers represents the twelve truths in the Apostles' Declaration that incorporate the Christian religion.

Read More:BRONZE STATEMENT PIECES FOR HOME DECOR

How to Add a Touch of Tradition with DIY Ornaments for Every Day in The Twelve Days Of Christmas

Though there are many ways to decorate your X-mas tree this Christmas season, we have unique diy x-mas ornaments crafts ideas you will love to create and decorate. These decorations can be made by using colourful paper and scissors. Let us get started.

Partridge in a Pear Tree

Cut a paper Patridge ornament using scissors and carefully stick it to a pear made by cutting coloured paper.

Turtle Doves

You can draw two doves on different sheets of paper to make Turtle Dove ornaments. Stick white feathers on it and attach them with a ribbon.

The French Hens

Paint or sketch hens on cut-out paper to make three French hen ornaments. Include elements like the French flag or little hen images.

The Calling Birds

Cut out four bird shapes from colourful cardboard paper to make four calling bird ornaments. Strings should be attached to each bird to look like they are calling.

Gold Rings

Create four golden ring ornaments using old thick wires folded into circles and then painted gold. You can attach ribbons to each ring.

Geese-A-Laying

Draw and cut 6 Goose ornaments on cardboard paper and paint them in six different colours. Add Feathers and small white balls representing eggs to make it look realistic.

Swans a-Swimming

For making seven swan ornaments, you can mould clay into swan shapes and then colour them white. Add ribbons for hanging.

Maids-A- Milking

Draw and cut eight Maids ornaments with colourful dresses holding two buckets. Paint all the maid ornaments and attach ribbons on all.

Ladies Dancing

Make nine ballet dancer ornaments with paper cutouts. Paint or colour them in various outfits and positions, then attach little strings or ribbons to show their dancing moves.

Lords A-Leaping

Using ice cream sticks or toothpicks, make ten leaping Lord ornaments. Paint or colour them, then hang them with short threads or ribbons.

Pipers Piping

Make 11 piper ornaments from cardboard paper in the form of pipes or flutes. Attach colourful strings and paint them with lovely colours to make them attractive.

Drummers drumming

You can easily craft these 12 drummers out of thermocol sheets for the drum. You can use beads and stick them. Colour them nicely and tie ribbons or thread on the drummer figurines so that they can be easily hung onto the tree.

Read More: LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE WITH THESE EXQUISITE CEILING LAMPS! | INDIANSHELF

Where to Buy Your Own Set Of Bulk Christmas Ornaments At Wholesale Price?

Look no further than Indianshelf.com for high-quality Christmas decorations in bulk at wholesale pricing. Indianshelf.com is the solution for all your wholesale Christmas ornament requirements, with an extensive selection of ornaments to pick from, for example, glass Christmas ornaments in bulk, small Christmas ornaments in size, and red Christmas ornaments in quantity.

We team up with reputable wholesale Christmas ornament manufacturers as an established online platform to provide a wide choice of products that fit your tastes and budget. Indianshelf.com assures you that you may get your own set of bulk Christmas decorations at reasonable wholesale costs, whether decorating your house or planning a festive occasion. Experience the thrill of adorning exquisite decorations from Indianshelf.com with relaxed service and pricing.

Posted In : Festival |

Tags:

Posted By : Shivani Sethi

Updated On: 22 June, 2023

Comment Post

Comments

Coupon Discount
Coupon Discount
Coupon Discount
Coupon Discount
Coupon Discount
Coupon Discount