“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Three French Hens . . .”
Today was a very interesting assortment of translations. Grab a glass of burgundy today as you review the customs for The Feast of Holy Innocents.
First the religious, the three French hens stand for the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Love (I Corinthians 13:13).
Continuing on the religious vein, Irish culture observes the Feast of the Holy Innocents. On this day Herod apparently ordered the slaughter of all first-born – making “childermas” one of the unluckiest day in folk custom. Don’t start any business ventures or journeys; to be sure don’t start anything. The “boy bishops” were de-throned on this day. But this medieval tradition has died long ago, in today’s Ireland you find no young adult taking over a bishop’s throne over the Christmas period.
Of course the belief that the song originated in France is proven for many as there are three French hens. How? The Latin name for France was Gaul, which comes from the Latin word Gallia. This is close to the Roman word for rooster.
In the Christian religion, it is believed that a cock crowed when Christ was born as a sign that “the light of the world” has arrived. This is why a rooster on a Christian tomb symbolizes the resurrection.
During the 18th century, large, exotic fowl from the Orient were brought back to England. These birds mated with the descendants of the Roman-breed chickens. It is believed that the “three French hens” in the song represent a new breed. White chickens are believed to bring good luck. And, hens are believed to symbolize motherly devotion.
So much talk of the French today draws a few yummy images for me, pastries and Burgundy wine. And while I wouldn’t want to taste it, nothing says French more than the Eifel tower. In my research, I found this funning French Hen inspiration and thought I’d share it with you as well.
| Dress, Monique Lhuiller; shoes, smt-weddingstore; pastries, Tongue in Cheek; boutonnière, bridesmaid, cake and ring picture, photography by Jennifer Skog Photography; flower place card; Wedding Collectibles; pastries, Wine in your Diet; Eifel Tower bookmark favor, Wedding Favors Unlimited; three French hens, TSKTSK Blog; Eifel Tower cake, Food Pack; burgundy star, confetti; dress, French taffeta wedding gown |
Adding spice to your life,
Lia
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Two Turtle Doves . . .
On the first day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree . . .
