The 12 Days of Christmas refer to the twelve day period that starts with Christmas day and ends on Epiphany (6th January). The song begins, On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... The 'true love' was meant to represent God, the true love of the world. The 'me' in the carol is the Christian man or woman who receives these presents. The meanings given to the 12 Days are as follows:

• The 'partridge in a pear tree' is Jesus who died on the cross. In ancient times a partridge was often used as mythological symbol of a divine, sacred king.

• The 'two turtle doves' are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible - another gift from God. Doves also symbolize peace.

• The 'three French hens' are faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Holy Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 13). The French hens can also represent God the Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

• The 'four calling birds' are the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible.

• The 'five golden rings' are the first five books of the Bible also called the Pentateuch, the Books of Moses or the Torah.

• The 'six geese a-laying' are the six days of creation.

• The 'seven swans a swimming' are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 12:8- 11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

• The 'eight maids a P 8 milking' are the eight beatitudes, Jesus' teachings on happiness. (See Matthew 5:3-10)

• The 'nine ladies dancing' are nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22)

• The 'ten lords a-leaping' are the Ten Commandments in the Bible.

See Exodus 20)

• The 'eleven pipers piping' are the eleven faithful disciples of Jesus.

• The 'twelve drummers drumming' were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

If you were receive all the presents in the song, you'd get 364!

Day 1 - receive 1 gift

Day 2 - receives 3 additional gifts, making 4 total gifts

Day 3 - receives 6 additional gifts, making 10 total gifts

Day 4 - receives 10 additional gifts, making 20 total gifts

Day 5 - receives 15 additional gifts, making 35 total gifts

Day 6 - receives 21 additional gifts, making 56 total gifts

Day 7 - receives 28 additional gifts, making 84 total gifts

Day 8 - receives 36 additional gifts, making 120 total gifts

Day 9 - receives 45 additional gifts, making 165 total gifts

Day 10 - receives 55 additional gifts, making 220 total gifts

Day 11 - receives 66 additional gifts, making 286 total gifts

Day 12 - receives 78 additional gifts, making 364 total gifts received.