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29/09/2018

Why are there so many birds in the Twelve Days of Christmas?

Why are there so many birds in the Twelve Days of Christmas?

Aside from the famous partridge, he or she gives the narrator more doves, hens, “calling birds,” geese and swans than anyone really needs. The song’s 12-day theme is a religious reference, based on the biblical interval between Christ’s birth and the arrival of the Magi (aka three kings or wise men).

Is 12 Days of Christmas about birds?

There are many variations of the classic Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but they all have one thing in common—many different birds. From the partridge in a pear tree to turtle doves, French hens, swans, geese, and more, the carol references a wide range of birds.

How many presents do you get in the 12 days of Christmas?

Dr. Wilson

She gets 1 partridge in a pear tree on each of the 12 days. 1 x 12 12
She gets 10 lords a-leaping on the last 3 days. 10 x 3 30
She gets 11 pipers piping on the last 2 days. 11 x 2 22
She gets 12 drummers drumming on the last day. 12 x 1 12
Total 364

What are 3 French hens?

“On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens…” Symbolism: The three French hens stand for the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity.

What’s a French hen?

The Faverolles is a French breed of chicken. The breed was developed in the 1860s in north-central France, in the vicinity of the villages of Houdan and Faverolles. Faverolles were originally bred in France as a utility fowl, used for both eggs and meat but are now primarily raised for exhibition.

Why are there 3 French hens?

French hens were a luxury import in the 16th Century and are therefore said to represent the expensive gifts gold, frankincense and myrrh. Alternatively they are also thought to symbolise faith, hope and charity.

How much are French hens?

2 Turtledoves: $375.00 (no change) 3 French Hens: $181.50 (no change) 4 Calling Birds: $599.96 (no change)

How much does 8 maids a milking cost?

Eight Maids-a-Milking The maids are unskilled laborers who get only the federal minimum wage. All eight of them cost only $58.00. Their fee has not changed in a decade.

How much would it cost to buy everything from the 12 days of Christmas?

Total cost: $16,168.14. That’s down 58.5% from 2019 ($38,993). The least expensive year recorded was 1995. PNC also calculates how much it would cost if you bought each of the items every time they’re repeated in the song.

What are the gifts for the 12 days of Christmas?

The 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

  • 01 of 12. A Partridge in a Pear Tree. The Spruce.
  • 02 of 12. Two Turtledoves. The Spruce.
  • 03 of 12. Three French Hens. The Spruce.
  • 04 of 12. Four Calling Birds. The Spruce / Lovely Indeed.
  • 05 of 12. Five Golden Rings. Almost Makes Perfect.
  • 06 of 12. Six Geese a Laying.
  • 07 of 12. Seven Swans a Swimming.
  • 08 of 12. Eight Maids a Milking.

How does the 12 days of Christmas gifts work?

The 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas It can be given to someone anonymously or as a regular gift for the year. Recipients unwrap one gift a day until the song is done. Additionally, you can stick to the number of items that correspond with the song, or just do one each day. It’s completely up to you!

How do you give the 12 days of Christmas?

The 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

  1. 2 Turtle Doves. Instead of hearing non-stop cooing from those doves, give your true love a box of gourmet chocolate turtles.
  2. 3 French Hens.
  3. 4 Calling Birds.
  4. 5 Golden Rings.
  5. 6 Geese a Laying.
  6. 7 Swans a Swimming.
  7. 8 Maids a Milking.
  8. 9 Ladies Dancing.