12 Days of Christmas at Anthony's
12 Days of Christmas at Anthony's
The Twelve Days of Christmas traditionally span from December 25th, Christmas Day (or the 26th in some traditions), to January 5th, also known as Twelfth Night (or January 6th, referred to as Epiphany). This period holds deep roots in Christian tradition and serves as a commemoration of the nativity story. Each day within this timeframe signifies a unique facet of the Christmas narrative.
In the beloved Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," individual days are linked to specific gifts, each symbolizing a particular element of the Nativity. We invite you to join us in celebrating each day by spotlighting a piece of art or an object from our gallery, offering a rich exploration of the diverse aspects of the Christmas story.
12 Drummers Drumming
The Good Shepherd Tiffany Stained-Glass Window
The 12 drummers drumming stand for the 12 doctrinal points of the Apostles' Creed, which are: believe in God, believe in Jesus Christ, we was conceived by the Spirit, he was crucified and died, he descended into hell and rose again, he ascended into heaven and sits next to God, he will come again to judge, believe in the Holy Spirit, believe in the communion, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Eleven Pipers Piping
Tiffany Bas-Relief Sculpture of the Angels of the Liturgy
Here we see eleven angels carrying the instruments of the Catholic Mass. The eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful apostles, the followers of God, Judas Iscariot is not counted. They were the primary teachers of His word and were those that put into practice His teachings, like the angels are carrying the instruments of the Mass, they had what was needed to live the Gospel of Christ fully.
Ten Lords A-Leaping
The Rabbi
Ten lords a-leaping are thought to be the Ten Commandments. When Moses was leading the Israelites out of the wilderness, he went atop Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments from God. The commandments are principles relating to ethics and worship to help the pious live more faithful lives.
Nine Ladies Dancing
Light by Gabriel Cornelius von Max 28x22
Nine Ladies dancing are representative of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. “Paul's writing about the fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5: 22-23. In the Bible these verses read: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Eight Maids A-Milking
The Milk Girl (La Laitiére), (c. January 1900) by Julien Dupré 28.5x18.5
Eight maids a-milking is to symbolize all of us. Christ came to save everyone, even the most common of men. No matter if one is milking cows or king, everyone has the opportunity to be saved.
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Seven swans are thought to be the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit which are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Isaiah foretold that the Holy Spirit would rest upon the promised Messiah, Emmanuel, and that he would possess wisdom and understanding, counsel and fortitude, knowledge, fear of the Lord (Is 11:2), and piety. As Jesus was blessed with these gifts by his Father, every believer is blessed with the same gifts by the Holy Spirit.
Six Geese A-Laying
Gathering Eggs by Isaac Henzell 38x51
The six geese represents the six days of creation. God created light, atmosphere, sun and moon, the landscape and plants, land creatures, and man. These are the six working days, which is why the geese are laying their eggs, as stated.
Five Golden Rings
The Pentateuch includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The literary category of the Pentateuch reflects the traditional Jewish grouping of these books together as the Torah.
Four Calling Birds
Early 20th Century Mosaic of Christ and Angels
Four Calling Birds reminds us of the four Gospels or the four Evangelists, Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John where we find the stories of Christ's life.
Three French Hens
Hay Season by Louis Robbe 56x89
Three French Hens often symbolizing the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Two Turtle Doves
The Brazen Serpent by Franz Friedrich Franck 38x64
Two Turtle Doves represent the Old and the New Testament. Here we have Moses, from the Old Testament, pointing to the Brazen Serpent on the cross, which is foreshadowing Christ on the cross, in the New Testament.
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Adoration of the Shepherds by 19th Century Dutch School, 60x32
The Partridge in a Pear tree represents Christ in the Nativity. Christ is like the mother partridge who is known to have sacrificed herself for the good of her young.
