Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The "Partridge in a Pear Tree" verse is associated with a Twelfth Night tradition known as wassailing the fruit tree.  Wassail or "waes hael" means "be whole" and is translated roughly as "good health".  Since ancient times, fruit has been a symbol of fertility, and is related to abundance. Furthermore, the apple has traditionally represented the woman, and the pear, the man. It's interesting to note that the reference to a partridge in a pear tree is likely to be the British red-legged partridge, because it is well known for its proclivity to perch in trees.  It is also renown for producing prodigious quantities of progeny.  To sum it all up, this verse reflects Christmas wishes for life, good health and prosperity.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The "Turtledoves" verse is included due to the fact that by the 18th century, the dove had come to symbolize faithfulness and devotion.  In biblical times, the annual return of large flocks of doves to Palestine was considered to be a sign of spring and a sign of seasonal rebirth.  Doves are traditionally believed to have been present at Jesus' birth in a manger which may have been located in a cave. It's interesting to note that limestone caves are a favorite nesting place for doves and that  Bethlehem has a myriad of limestone caves.  The dove also has ancient associations with both love and water, and is depicted by the Bible as being symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  Given these associations, the appearance of the dove at Jesus' baptism as described in the book of Matthew is a powerful illustration of The Father's love, power and authority.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

Given the English origination of the song, the "French Hens" verse may have been a play on the Latin name for France (Gallia), which was once called Gaul. The Roman word for rooster is remarkably reminiscent to 'gallia'.  The domestic chicken has a long symbolic association with sun worship which is further illustrated by the rooster's instinctual behavior of crowing at dawn. In relation to the Nativity, it has been written that when Jesus was born, the rooster crowed in recognition that He was the "Light of the World."

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The "Calling Birds" verse incorrectly replaces the actual reference to Colly birds with the now familiar 'calling birds' lyric. Colly birds are a type of European thrush whose name means, "black as coal." These birds are common in England and are well known for their flute-like song, which they sing from December until July. As a longtime gourmet's delight, the blackbird was an important part of the Twelfth Night feasts. The meat of these and other birds were aged, marinated and combined in a 'meat pie' served during Christmas festivities.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

Did you know that the "Golden Rings" verse didn't refer to jewelry, but rather to ring-necked pheasants? Or, that its Latin name (Phasianus colchicus) might even suggest that a subspecies of the ring-necked pheasant could have been the "Golden Fleece" sought after and discovered by Jason and the Argonauts from ancient Greece? Or, that since the time of the Middle Ages, pheasant was served as a delicacy and was the high point of a feast?

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The goose was one of the earliest domesticated animals and has long been a subject of folklore. They came to symbolize the solar year, fertility and rebirth due to their "miraculous" seasonal disappearance and reappearance along with other migratory birds. The wild goose was assumed to be an intermediary between this world and the next since it "vanished like the sun when the days grew shorter, only to reappear as they lengthened."  By the 18th century, the goose had replaced the boar of the medieval banquet and assumed the position of being the centerpiece of the Christmas dinner.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

Man's fascination with water fowl dates back to the ancient cultures of the Egyptians, Greeks and Celts.  The ability of these beautiful creatures to soar in the air and live on the water, must have suggested to our ancestors that these mysterious creatures must have some knowledge of the unknown.  By the 12th century, the swan became synonymous with royalty and the keeping of swans was the exclusive prerogative of kings.  How appropriate that this symbol of royalty would be associated with the narrative of the Nativity, given Jesus' birth as the "King of kings".

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The eighth gift named in the Twelve Days of Christmas song refers to the many products derived from milk.   Given the tendency of  fresh milk to separate and spoil, the development of 'sweet' milk, soured milk, cream, cottage cheese and cheese meant that these ingredients became increasingly popular and important in recipes and diet in the years after the Middle Ages.  One other curious tidbit: during the 18th century, the phrase  "come a-milking"  was understood to be a tongue in cheek way to suggest or make a marriage proposal.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The "Drummer Drumming" verse refers to the town watchmen that patrolled the streets, and were known as "Waits".  By the 18th century, the term also applied to the strolling musicians who were rewarded for their performances during the Christmas festivities.  Interestingly, the European drum was actually a derivation of the instrument that originated in the Middle East and was brought back from the Crusades.  The uniforms worn by the "Waits" were developed and patterned after the exotic clothing of an elite fighting corps of the Turkish Empire.  Their colorful costume was the inspiration for the uniforms eventually worn by current day marching bands.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

Shepherds traditionally played pipes to keep themselves entertained while tending their flocks at night.  The pipes they played were adapted from simple flutes by adding an "air bladder" made of animal skins which functioned as a reservoir to contain air. The player squeezed the bag in order to produce continuous air flow, breathed into the 'blowpipe', and at the same time fingered the flute to produce the music. The sound produced could be quite loud and would carry over a long distance. The Scottish bagpipe is the pipe's current day descendant.

The pipe being played by the angel depicted here, however, is only of the simple flute.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

Another dance performed during the Twelfth Night celebrations was called a "carole" which was derived from the Greek word chorus.  The ceremonial dance was also accompanied with singing.  The carole was a simple round dance and after the Crusades it took on more sophisticated choreography, and was associated with songs about love, marriage and virtues.  By the 15th century, the dance came to be known as the "branle" and the carole was known only for its association with its former songs.  The carole eventually included songs specific to the Christmas story and became known as Christmas carols.

Size 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The "Lord Leaping" verse refers to a dance - likely the gavotte -  performed by the gentry of the upper class at Twelfth Night festivities.  The dance was of French origin and consisted of a hop, a step, another step and a jump. Costumed participants danced during the interludes between courses of the Christmas feasts. This dance was a popular part of  Twelfth Night celebrations until the end of the 18th century.

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5 1/2" x 8 1/4" (width - height)

Austrian crystals light up the night sky of this beautiful card that commemorates the 'Reason for the Season' - the humble birth of Jesus in a manger. He is the Savior Messiah and soon coming King. All of the figures shown are cut by hand making each card a one-of-a-kind creation.

Size: 4" x 5 1/2" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (width - height)

"... Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia ..." Join with this angel as she celebrates and commemorates the Christ child's birth this Christmas. She's a part of the celestial concert of joyful worship and ALL are invited! This beautiful and colorful angel powerfully illustrates her glad tidings "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward men!"

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 7" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 4" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (width - height)

A holiday classic card featuring Santa and his trusty elves. Santa 's looking finely coiffed with his hand quilled beard and hair and his hand made wire rim glasses. Old St. Nicholas is flanked by his faithful helpers ready to deliver the contents of his bag full of toys to good boys and girls. You could use this card in a variety of ways: holiday remembrance; gift card; complement to a holiday gift; seasonal "Thank You"; party invitation.

Size: 8 1/4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

"Shepherd's quake at the sight.....Glories stream from heaven afar.....Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia" The theme for this card was developed from the perennial Christmas favorite "Silent Night". These shepherds were tending their flocks in the pastures surrounding Bethlehem and were astonished by the celestial spectacle announcing the birth of Jesus the Christ. They responded in the only way they knew they fell to their knees in worship. Commemorate and share this history altering event with the Shepherd's Quake card this Christmas.

Size: 10" x 8" (length - height)

Each Card is 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The shipping weight has been calculated to include all twelve of the cards.

The gift set is made up of twelve cards,  and each one re-creates one of the twelve days immortalized in the perennial holiday favorite, The Twelve Days of Christmas.  The gift set has been attractively priced compared to purchasing the cards individually.   The design for each card reflects the 18th century period costume, decor and style, as the song was originally published in 1780.

Also, there is a short narrative for each card that can be found in its respective product description.  Please see the "More Details" link below for additional information regarding the origination of the Twelfth Night celebrations, which established the foundation for this well known song.

Size: 7" x 5" (length - height)

Size: 5" x 7" (length - height)

Size: 4" x 5 1/2" (width - height)

The splash of the brilliant red color of the "Winter Cardinal" will add cheer to any winter day and send the recipient's spirits soaring. The male cardinal's bright red plumage attains it luster by late winter due to the wear and abrasion of its feathers as well as their pigment-rich (i.e. full of carotenoids) diet. You could use this card in a variety of ways: holiday remembrance; gift card; complement to a holiday gift; seasonal "Thank You"; party invitation;