The 12 Days of Christmas Explained

A very popular and well known song, when you think about it, it doesn't make a lot of sense. Not only does it seem like nothing to do with Christmas, how on earth did this person's true love manage it? Also what would you do with ten lords a-leaping, not to mention everything else. Don't get me wrong, that's commitment, but not really practical.

To start, let me clarify something, Christmas starts on 25th December and ends on 6th January. Those are the twelve days of Christmas. Don't confuse yourself trying to work out whether it's the 12th, 13th or 14th of December when it starts, it's the 25th.

Surprisingly, for me at least, it's not a code for some kind of pagan celebration or tradition. So much of Christmas now is surviving pagan traditions and rituals of Yuletide that early Christians attempted to eradicate. The twelve days of christmas song is a code, but it's a Christian code,specifically for Catholics,

From1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly (the Protestant faith having been founded by Henry VIII). Someone during this era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning; the surface reading and a hidden one known only to members of their church. I am not 100% sure, but I think that the 'true love' (if indeed he is relevant) is God.

1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments
3. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthes, Mark, Luke and John
5. The five gold rings were the first five books of the Old Testament
6. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
8. The eight maids a milking were the eight beautitudes*.
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
10. The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. 
12. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed

So there you go. not an impossible standards for suitor to live up to, a carol about religion. Another one for overly sensitive athists to drop.

*The eight beautitudes are as follows

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

• Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

• Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

In this context, blessed means happy.

Live Action Frozen

As Disney are taking all their old animated classics and giving them the live action remake treatment, I feel it's only a matter of time before Brave, The Princess and the Frog and Moana grace our cinema screens again. As such, many people are speculating and predicting who will take over our beloved characters roles. With the modern films, there is always a chance the original voice actors will be used and, as he will be CGI, Olaf will probably still be voiced by the wonderful Josh Gad (whom we saw give a stellar performance as LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast). However, it's not a given. Also, as Idina Menzel (The broadway star who voiced Elsa) is dark haired, olive skinned and pushing 50 (she'll turn 48 next May) I can't really see her being cast. As such, here are people I think could take the title roles in the amazing Frozen, if it were to recieve the live action treatment.

  To start, it has, of course, been turned into a Broadway show, so may take it's stars from that, but for better known actors, I think, while they may be spoiled for choice, some would be perfect.

Scarlett Johansson as Elsa

The very beautiful, very talented star of Lucy (and counteless other films) is a fan favourite to take on the role of the Snow Queen. Not only can I see it, I think she'd smash it. I would love nothing more than to watch her build an ice castle in a beautiful dress whilst belting out the iconic 'Let It Go'. Call her agent Disney, you need to book her in!

Amanda Seyfried as Anna

There are probably quite a few actresses who could do this role justice but I think Amanda Seyfried's innocent beauty and doe eyes sell me on this choice. As we know, she can sing. Mamma Mia definitely gave her the chance to show us what she can do. I can just see her both playing the sad, lonely girl who misses her sister as well as the strong, independent woman who saves her sister's life. I would love to hear her sing 'Love Is An Open Door'. Which brings us to

Ioan Grufford as Hans

If there is anything to be said for the evil, scheming Hans, it's that he is hot. Iaon Grufford is one man to make me week at the knees. He's handsome, talented and has an oh so British accent. You pronounce it Oy-wen Griff-ith by the way (it's Welsh). The star of 'Forever' (Which I loved and sadly only ran for one season) is probably best known for playing Mr Fantastic in 'The Fantastic Four' (in which he put on a American accent). And can't you just see him as a good villain? I can totally picture him charming Anna only to betray her later. Can he sing? Maybe. But as Hans only has one song and there are ways around it he can still be cast. Looking at him I can't really find it in myself to care.

Alex Pettyfer as Kristoff

Now, I have put these two pictures up because he has changed a lot but I think if he shaved and went back to his former hairstyle it could work. To be honest this is the only one I'm not sure about. The other three actors on this list I really want to get the roles but Kristoff I don't have a firm choice. I do think Alex Pettyfer could do it, if only for the fact I want to see him again with the Alex Rider hair (I so fell for that character when he played it).

Of course, this is just my opinion, do you agree? Please let me know in the comments. I will say though, Marvel listened to the fans and cast Benedict Cumberbatch (be still my beating heart!) as Doctor Strange, I hope Disney listens to it's fans and it won't be long until 'Let It Go' makes a comeback as we sing along with Ms Johansson