Size: 5″ x 7″ (length – height)

Size: 5″ x 7″ (length – height)

Let that special someone know that you’ll be there for them now and throughout the year(s) to come.

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.