the symbolism of geese, dancing ladies, partridge , pear tree etc means nothing. The symbols just make for an entertaining song. Some of the myth surrounding this song is unfortunately not untrue.
But there is truth in that the song relates numbers to things.
8=> 8 beatitudes etc.
The symbology employed does not derive from any thing within the church, bible symbology or any culture, especially English culture. Further , no where in the bible is the symbology employed in this song even remotely used.
Even the symbology of numbers employed in the bible is not employed here, where in Revelation and throughout the bible is much like this:
1: or first— primary, excellence
2: ?
3: trinity
4: whole or universality, or the world
5: a few
6: imperfection....or maybe something short of perfection(7)
7:fullness, perfection, wholeness, totality
8: people saved with Noah
9: ?
10: complete but not fullness, 10 plagues on Egypt, 10 commandments
12:continuity with the chosen people; a fullness
1,000: superlative, immensity
correction: the myth surrounding this song is unfortunately not true.
1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments, two natures of Christ
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues, the Trinity
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight Beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the Ten Commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful Apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed
Some only count 8 beatitudes...but if you look @ Matthew 5:3-11 closely, there are 9 "blessed are the..."
9 beatitudes