The first 5 books of the OT, the "Pentateuch" which gives the history of man's fall from grace, or the 5 decades of the rosary, or the 5 sacraments of the church.
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 man's 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 Apostle's Creed
Here is the Scopes link:
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christma ... 12days.asp
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The bigotry of the nonbeliever is for me nearly as funny as the bigotry of the believer.
~Albert Einstein