Beta Sigma Phi examines the 'Twleve Days of Christmas'

Perceptor Omicron Epsilon chapter Beta Sigma Phi met on Dec. 9 at the Country Place Village with Debra Albertson as hostess.

President Annette Morgan called the meeting to order and led members in the Opening Ritual.

Before the meeting members were serenaded by Girl Scout Troop 569 from Liberty City. The girls passed out handmade cards and greetings and then sang "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

Secretary Jennie Daigle read the minutes of the last meeting and treasurer Yvonne Kennedy reported on club finances. Jennifer Utzman reported on City Council activities, confirming dates for the Sweetheart Tea, the First Lady banquet and Founders Day. Members elected Annette Morgan as this year's sweetheart to be presented on Feb. 15.

Jennifer Utzman gave the program on "Twelve Days of Christmas."

She said most think the carol "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a fun song. The truth is that in 16th Century England, King Henry VIII had divorced his wife and outlawed the Catholic Church in order to remarry. Catholics had to go underground and the clergy developed poetry that taught catechism in code words and symbology. The most famous of these poems is the "Twelve Days of Christmas."

The following is a list of each of these symbols and their meaning:

The 1st day of Christmas — a partridge in a pear tree represents Christ.

The 2nd day of Christmas — two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments.

The 3rd day of Christmas — three French hens represent the virtues of faith, hope and love, or alternately the Holy Trinity

The 4th day of Christmas — four calling birds represent the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the authors of the first four books of the New Testament.

The 5th day of Christmas — five gold rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament, the Pentateuch.

The 6th day of Christmas — six geese a laying represent the first six days of creation; one egg from each goose represents one day of creation

The 7th day of Christmas — seven swans a swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The 8th day of Christmas — eight maidens milking represent the eight Beatitudes.

The 9th day of Christmas — nine ladies dancing represent the gifts of the Holy spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The 10th day of Christmas — 10 lords a leaping represent the Ten Commandments.

The 11th day of Christmas — 11 pipers piping represent the 11 faithful apostles of Jesus.

The 12th day of Christmas — 12 drummers drumming represent the 12 doctrines of the Apostles' Creed.

Those present were Marcella Harkrider, Dimples Burns, Yvonne Kennedy, Debra Albertson, Vivian Patton, Jennifer Utzman, Annette Morgan and Marion Dovel.