I'm Keeping the Partridge, (and the Pear Tree Too!)

 

‘Tis the season to sing carols, fah la la la lah, la lah, lah, lah!

Yes, I just had to include all the fah, la, lahs.

(Image: "Partridge in a Pear Tree" by Lynn Bywaters)

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without all the sacred hymns and jingly secular tunes that reminds us of what the season is all about, including all the nonsense syllables like ‘fah la lah’, or the cryptic lyrics in some carols that have us wondering what they could possibly mean every year we hear them sung.  You’ve already guessed from the title I’m thinking in particular of the repetitive song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” listing an unusual and generous assortment of gifts presented from one sweetheart to another.  “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...”. 

I once read that the gifts were supposed to be symbolic of various points of Catholic doctrine, a hidden ‘underground’ catechism to help the  Catholics learn their faith at a time when practising Catholicism was criminalized in England in 1558 until 1829. That sounds like a logical and satisfactory explanation, right?

Now, I  have just read that the original article supposedly explaining the spiritual meaning of the lyrics was  only suggestive and did not present any historical facts!

In 1979, a Canadian hymnologist named Hugh D. McKellar published a piece entitled "How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas", concocting an explanation for each gift and how they represented the Catholic Faith.  McKellar offered no evidence for his claim and subsequently admitted in 1994 that the purported dogmatic associations were his own interpretations that the symbols suggested to him,  for 'evocative  symbols do not allow for any definitve explanation':

 In any case, really evocative symbols do not allow of [sic] definitive explication, exhausting all possibilities. I can at most report what this song's symbols have suggested to me in the course of four decades, hoping thereby to start you on your own quest.  (Hugh D.McKellar, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", The Hymn Vol. 45, No.4, October 1994)


To make matters worse, people assumed his explanations were the true intended meanings and innocently spread his conjectures as fact for years.  In fact, you still see these theoretical explanations of the lyrics floating around the internet and other sources:


Partridge in a pear tree: Jesus Christ, symbolized as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from helpless nestlings.

Two turtle doves: Old and New Testaments

Three French Hens: Faith, hope, charity

Four Calling Birds: The Four Gospels

Five Golden Rings: The Pentateuch or Five Books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy)

Six Geese a Laying: 6 days of creation

Seven Swans a Swimming: 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Eight Maids a-Milking: 8 Beatitudes

Nine Ladies Dancing: 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Ten Lords a-Leaping: 10 Commandments

Eleven Pipers Piping: The 11 faithful disciples
  

Twelve  Drummers Drumming: 12 articles of the Apostles Creed

Sad to say, there is no proof this was the original meaning of the song, and was in fact only a suggestive explanation made up in 1979, making up the story it was a hidden Catholic catechism, which the guy finally admitted to doing in 1994. 

 If you’ve noticed, these are not just Catholic articles of faith, but also tenants believed by Protestants.  There is no reason to hide the meaning of the song as believers from either faith could sing it, even during the persecution times. 

Here are a few facts:

 There is evidence the song first originated in France, and when it arrived in England it was sung by children as a silly forfeits game: each person playing the game had to remember their verse, and if they got it wrong when their turn came, they had to forfeit a kiss or a sweet.  Hence, the repetitive (and sometimes annoying!) nature of the lyrics.  In fact, the original French version there is no pear tree in the first line, just a ‘pretty partridge’.  The pear tree was added later!


The English version of the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was first published without music in 1780 in a children’s book entitled “Mirth Without Mischief”, and the last order of the gifts were as follows:  8 Maids a’ Milking, 9 Drummers Drumming,  10 Pipers Piping, 11 Ladies Dancing, 12, Lords a Leaping.  The idea was the gift was to be grander than the last, so of course it would end with a bunch of festive, merrymaking aristocrats.  This order of gifts was retained in subsequent versions, but was mixed up as time passed.  The current version of the song we know including the mixed up gifts seems to have originated from an edition published in 1909 by Frederic Austin, who also changed the ‘four colly birds’ (blackbirds) to ‘calling birds’.

So, despite the cheery holiday tune, the real purpose of the song is not as lofty as we were led to believe.

Yes, I’m disappointed!  If there is a higher meaning to the lyrics, we may never know what it is for certain, the numbers associated with the gifts could be attributed to any of the mystic numbers associated with the Christian Faith.

 At least McKellar attempted to present a spiritual interpretation, and even if we can't give credence to all his proposed meanings, I refuse to relinquish one of the symbolisms ~ the pretty partridge and the pear tree.  It is one of the few images that bear a truly Christian meaning in the carol.

 (Image: French Partridge and chicks, by Archibald Thorburn, 1915)

When I think of a partridge, St. John the Evangelist, the Apostle beloved of Christ, immediately springs to mind.  According to the 'Acts of John' purportedly written by his disciple, Leucius Charinus, St. John used to be amused by a pet partridge, picking it up and stroking it, or watching it play and preen its feathers in the dust.  One day he was questioned by a hunter who wondered how so great a man like him chosen by God and working so many miracles could lower himself to playing with a little creature like that.  Finding amusement in something so simple should be beneath him! St. John just calmly asked the hunter what he had in his hand and the hunter replied he had a bow.  John then asked why it was not always stretched ready for the hunt, and the hunter replied if it was always strung it would lose its tension and cease to be useful.  John replied he was doing the same in taking some relaxation and finding some time for humble, simple amusements to ease his mind, for if he was always stretched at work his mind would eventually grow as slack as his bow and would not be able to obey the power of the Spirit.

The story is not just a reminder of the need to take some time off once in awhile, it recalls the virtue of humility as it was deemed base for St. John to find amusement and spend time with a simple creature like that.  As we return to the Christmas carol, what a wonderful reminder St. John’s partridge is, that Christ for love us came humbly as a baby ~ the Lamb of God was born in a stable and laid in a manger.

I’m also 'keeping' the pear tree even if it is a later English addition, for there is something quite intriguing as the song progresses: there is an unusual accrual of numbers that show the multiplied 'fruits' of humility if you examine the lyrics from another angle.

In the beginning only one tree and partridge is given as a present, yet by the end of the song, it is sung twelve times, and while the lady love may have been given a magnificent gathering of twelve lords a' leaping at the conclusion, they are mentioned only once.  The eleven regal ladies are presented only twice, the ten pipers three times, etc, according to the orginal order of the gifts. So, all the humble presents presented in the beginning multiply while the seemingly luxurious and pride-filled gifts actually dwindle in the end despite their number.  Of importance, the song begins and ends with the partridge and the tree, the Alpha and Omega of the entire carol: if we have Christ, we have a treasure indeed!  I cannot help but think of this passage in the Book of Revelation written by St. John:

“And he shewed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street thereof, and on both sides of the river, was the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits, yielding its fruits every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no curse any more; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him.” (Apoc. 22: 1-3)

I wonder if the heavenly fruits resemble a pear?

May all my readers have a blessed a peaceful Christmas and New Year!

Here are some Posts from ‘Christmas Past’:

* Preparing the Perfect Christmas

* The Rich Man's Son, A Christmas Story 

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The Rich Man's Son - A Christmas Story (Author Unknown)

(Post originally published December 11, 2011)

 

(Image: "Xmas Greetings 7th Division 1917...")

Once upon a time not so long ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they travelled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the rambling family estate. The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector and shared the same tastes as he. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season – a season that he and his son had so looked forward to – would visit his house no longer.

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.”

As they talked, the solider explained how the man’s son had told everyone about him, not to mention his love of fine art. “I’m an artist, well, an amateur of art,” said the soldier, “and I wanted to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.

A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn from dozens of letters sent to him from other soldiers that his son had rescued them too before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamoured.

He told his neighbours it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation. With the collector’s passing, and his only son dead, it was announced that all those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift. The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim “I have the greatest collection.”

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son.

The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked.

Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.” More voices echoed in agreement. “No, we have to begin with this one first, the man's last request was explicit,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

Finally, a close friend of the old man spoke.

“Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.” “I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. After another period of impatient silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!”

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quickly struck the would-be art buyers. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son! What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! It was announced the whole collection was up for auction! I demand that you explain the meaning of this!”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever could appreciate his greatest treasure, although it seemed small and insignificant to the eyes of the world, would be considered worthy to receive the rest. Therefore, whoever takes the son...gets it all.”

This story puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? Just as those art collectors discovered on that Christmas day, the message is still the same – the love of a Father – a Father whose greatest joy came from His Son who went away and gave His life rescuing others. And because of that Father’s love...whoever receieves the Son receives all. You don't have to be rich, just give Him your 'all' with an open heart.

Dear friends, this story illustrated the love of our Father in Heaven, our God, for us. He sacrificed His beloved Son and whosoever would believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. The is the greatest gift of love to each one of us, and the beautiful part is, we don't have to wait until Christmas to receive Him.

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Preparing the Perfect Christmas

(Post originally published December 24, 2010)

 (Image: Angels pray at the birth of Christ, from the Wellcome Trust)

During these difficult times with the Great Recession, preparing for Christmas seems a near impossible task, trying to be happy when everything around appears to be at its lowest point.

If you think you are alone, don't worry, the Holy Family knows what you are going through: the first Christmas was just like this.

Imagine awaiting the arrival of your first child, but the foreign government that is occupying your country has declared a census in which you must return to your town of origin to register. You are forced to pack up and travel by donkey to a city far away through a rocky, frigid desert, as the heat of the summer is now over, and you cannot take all the things you prepared for the baby other than a pack of swaddling clothes. There is no place to stay when you arrive, the baby is about to be born, and all you are offered is something no better than a shelter for animals. If all that were not enough, the ruler of the area fears your newborn child and plans to slaughter it to ensure he stays in power. You are now a refugee forced to flee to a strange country through the Sinai Desert with no friends or family around you.

Everything appears to be a disaster, yet it was the most perfect Christmas: Christ the Saviour was born to free us from the darkness of sin. The Bread of Heaven came to earth and was laid in a manger to become our spiritual food and open paradise to us. God's promise of a Redeemer given to mankind thousands of years in the past was fulfilled at last. Shepherds were sent a heavenly messenger to tell them to adore the Shepherd of shepherds. The stars aligned to show the three wise men where to find the birthplace of the the Saviour and worship him as King of Kings. Providence was there for the Holy Family in their time of need, no doubt the shepherds brought food and warm fleece for them, the kings had provided gifts that could help financially cover their journey to Egypt.  Of course, this did not make the situation any easier, but it is good to know that if you trust in God, He will see you through. A little trust in God goes a long way.

“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~ Calvin Coolidge.

I wish all my readers a holy and a peaceful holiday season, and hopefully a prosperous New Year to you all.

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