A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Merry First Day of Christmas!

Since 2012, I have shared the meaning of each of the days from the beloved carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This remains one of my favorite carols. I love the symbolism in the carol….and I simply love the actual twelve days of Christmas. My mom always celebrated the 12 days and I enjoy carrying on that tradition.

I have always held off decorating for Christmas until the first week of December. This year, I could not seem to get it together until 2 days before Christmas. I fully plan to enjoy this season from now through Epiphany on January 6th. Our home will be filled with Christmas carols and songs of the season along with the decorations and lights I enjoy.

There is a misconception that the twelve days of Christmas are those days that lead up to December 25. Not true! Today, Christmas Day, is the first day of Christmas! The 12 days go through the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Twelfth Day.”

In the olden, golden days, the twelve days of Christmas were a period of joyful prayer and a rest from unnecessary labor. Christmas tree lights would be lit and families would gather around the manger to share prayers and carols.

Why a partridge in a pear tree?

The pear tree signifies the wood of the manger, and also that of the cross. The fruit reminds us of the reason for the Incarnation: God’s desire to saves us from the sin introduced by Adam and Eve consuming the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. The fruit is also a reminder of the Tree of Life in the midges of the Garden.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14

Merry Christmas,
Karen