In the Song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” What Gift is Given on the Third Day?
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a popular English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. It features a series of increasingly extravagant gifts given by a lover to his beloved over the 12 days of Christmas. The gift of three French hens on the third day carries religious symbolism, representing the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity.
The song has been widely embraced as a part of Christmas traditions, often serving as a joyful and festive expression of holiday spirit. Its catchy rhythm and cumulative structure make it a beloved addition to holiday music playlists.
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
The song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” dates back to the 16th century and has its roots in Europe. It is believed to have originated from France, although its exact origins are uncertain.
The song follows a repetitive structure, where each verse mentions a different gift given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. The list of gifts increases cumulatively, with each new day adding to the previous day’s gifts.
On the third day of Christmas, the gift given is three French hens. The song continues to count up the gifts, with subsequent verses mentioning birds, rings, musicians, and various other items.
The song has been the subject of various interpretations and theories regarding its symbolism and hidden meanings. While popular folklore has assigned symbolic meanings to each gift, these interpretations vary and are not widely agreed upon.
Identifying The Gift On The Third Day
| Identifying the Gift on the Third Day |
|---|
| Verse Interpretation |
In the popular Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the gift that is given on the third day is three French hens. This can be interpreted from the third verse of the song which states, “On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Three French hens.” The song follows a cumulative structure, where each verse adds a new gift to the previous ones.
The lyrics of the song have evolved over time, making it challenging to determine the exact origin. The earliest version, published in 1780, had the gift as “Three French hens,” and it has remained consistent in subsequent versions. The gifts in the song are meant to represent the twelve days after Christmas Day, leading up to the Feast of Epiphany.
Symbolism And Significance
In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the gift given on the third day is three French hens. This gift holds symbolic meaning within the song, representing the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. The cultural interpretations of this gift vary, with some seeing it as a representation of the Holy Trinity in Christianity. Others view it as a tribute to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented to Jesus by the Three Wise Men in the Nativity story. This symbolic significance adds depth and richness to the traditional holiday song.
Popular Cultural References
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a popular song known for its repetition and cumulative structure. Many people reference this song in celebrations and traditions. The third day gifts three French hens, which has led to various parodies and adaptations.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The third day of Christmas brings us the gift of three French hens. This iconic line from the famous Christmas song holds a delightful surprise as we continue the countdown towards the big day. Whether you’re singing along or simply curious about the lyrics, now you know exactly what gift to expect on the third day of Christmas.
Happy holidays!
