The things you learn working for the pope

[quiregrrl]

From an email just circulated to entire staff:

Twelve Days of Christmas as a reminder of our Catholic beliefs:

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the
Apostles' Creed

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The ten Lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The eight Maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy
Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-The five golden rings recalled the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Comments

[therasca1queen.livejournal.com]

That's not what the tune was really about though was it?

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

No, some "bright spark" (yes, that's how they were described in the email) came up with this in the late 19th century... honestly, fucking Catholics appropriating our superficial and secular traditions of outrageous gifting and making it all about religion... everyone knows the TRUE meaning of christmas is how many presents you get!

[http://users.livejournal.com/kitty_kitty_/]

"...some clever person..."

*facepalm*

[therasca1queen.livejournal.com]

Catholicism - they had the inquisition and they're the most pagan idolators of the lot of 'em.

[fluffydescent.livejournal.com]

I think someone may have just twisted it to suit...

[quiregrrl.livejournal.com]

Yeah... see my reply to Jools :)