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Figurine on a lady dancing – detail of a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Nativity set
Thursday January 2, 2025

‘On the ninth day of Christmas…’

By Bridget Retzloff

The 12 Days of Christmas begin on Dec. 25 and last until Jan. 5. Perhaps dating from the 13th century, “The 12 Days of Christmas” was likely a counting song and game for children. One theory is that the numbers correspond to elements of Catholic teaching:

  • Partridge in pear tree: Jesus Christ on the cross
  • Two turtle doves: Old Testament and New Testament
  • Three French hens: Three gifts of the Magi (or faith, hope, and love/charity)
  • Four calling birds: Four Gospels 
  • Five gold rings: First five books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch) 
  • Six geese a-laying: Six days of creation 
  • Seven swans a-swimming: Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit 
  • Eight maids a-milking: Eight beatitudes 
  • Nine ladies dancing: Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit 
  • Ten lords a-leaping: Ten Commandments 
  • Eleven pipers piping: Eleven faithful apostles
  • Twelve drummers drumming: Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed 

In a 21st-century Nativity set made by Byers’ Choice, figures representing each of the 12 days of Christmas accompany the Holy Family. 

Finish the Christmas season with a visit to the Marian Library's 30th annual Christmas exhibit, which is open until Jan. 17. Visit go.udayton.edu/christmas-exhibit for hours and more details.


— Bridget Retzloff is an assistant professor and visual resources librarian in the Marian Library.

White bearded figurine holding a small pear tree in a small pot with a white partridge sitting on top of the little tree.

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

White bearded figurine holding a small pear tree in a small pot with a white partridge sitting on top of the little tree.

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

Figurine if a drummer in a red toy soldier-type uniform with tall, black, furry hat – detail of a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Nativity set

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

Figurine if a drummer in a red toy soldier-type uniform with tall, black, furry hat – detail of a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Nativity set

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

Figurines the Holy Family – detail of a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Nativity set; a green banner on the wall behind them reads "Catholic teaching by number and song."

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

Figurines the Holy Family – detail of a "Twelve Days of Christmas" Nativity set; a green banner on the wall behind them reads "Catholic teaching by number and song."

Photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25

Gallery with visitors looking at the displays; "The 12 Days of Christmas" Nativity set sit to the left of the photo.
Gallery with visitors looking at the displays; "The 12 Days of Christmas" Nativity set sit to the left of the photo.
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