December 14: Wow – I have reached the halfway point and seem to have added two friends. Oh well, what can you do? Back to our holiday countdown. We officially have 12 days remaining before Christmas! No, I have not even started holiday shopping. So expect these entries to get shorter he closer we are to Christmas. In honor of the 12 days mark, I would like to share 12 days of Christmas. This song has been around for a long time. So long, that most people agree that the lyrics have no official meaning. Others find a religious symbolism in each gift, claiming that the song is like a secret catechism to teach children about their faith. Cloak and Dagger-like stuff, that is what I prefer! Sadly though, no proof has been given to support any claims and most scholars are leaning towards it being a children’s rhyme. But if it were a secret code used in England when the country prohibited Catholicism, the symbols would be: 1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, Son of God 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch, which gives the history of mans fall from grace. 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords A-leaping = the Ten Commandments 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed Now before you say it, I know I know. Some of you would like to argue that this is not true because Snopes says it’s not and well, Snopes is pretty awesome. Some would say it is true because Catholic Online says it is. Fight amongst yourselves, it makes no difference to me. I like it and will just assume that it was whispered around early England by people like “V” with cool masks. I also like to think gnomes exist too, so bug off. But I also admit it is a pretty boring song. That is, until you meet these guys. Straight No Chaser was originated at the University of Indiana in 1996. Perhaps this is the precursor to Indiana Men’s Soccer Team’s 27 consecutive home wins, from October 1996 to September 1999? Check Snopes. What I do know is that these guys formed at IU and have actually made me like this song. By including funky mix-ups and Toto’s Africa, the group delivers 12 Days of Christmas like no one else ever. So while you debate the significance of the gifts, enjoy this rendition of a classic: https://youtube/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 07:25:58 +0000