Duing period of unrest in England between 1558 until 1829 a code was devised to protect Roman Catholics.    The result was The Twelve Days of Christmas:

The Partidge in a Pear Tree: Jesus Christ

Two Turtle doves: The Old and New testaments

Three French Hens: Faith, Hope, and Love

Four calling birds were: the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

The Five golden rings: recalled the torah or Law, first five books of the Old Testament.

The Six geese a-laying stood for: the six days of creation.

The Seven Swans a-swimming: represents the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit

The eight maids a-milking: were the eight beatitudes.

The nine ladies dancing: were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The Ten Lords  a-leaping were: The Ten Commandments

The Eleven Pipers Piping: stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming: symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed.