Hail, Mary! Full of Grace. The Lord is with thee; Blessed are thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.  

Catholics in England were forbidden to practice their faith openly during the years from 1538 to 1829. This song was developed to communicate their gift of faith in coded lyrics. The 12 days run from December 25 (Christmas) to January 6 (Epiphany). The "true Love" refers to God. The repetition of the melody signifies God's continual renewal of His gifts. A Partridge is the symbol of Christ. The partridge will feign injury  to protect  nestlings who are defenseless just as we a...