A Puzzle for the Twelve Days of Christmas - The Solution

We set you a task on the morning of St Stephen's Day, to identify the Christian mysteries that may be encoded in the Twelve Days of Christmas. You all did very well!

The True Love refers to God

The Partridge in the Pear tree refers to the Trinity: the Tree, the pears, and the partridge but all one gift. (Let's not quibble over the failings of this analogy: times were tough.)

2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace

6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and/or the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful Apostles

12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Have this as a reward: