Watchful Eyes' Mr. Gay World 2018 Favorite Picks

Mr. Gay World 2018 is being held from May 21 - 26, 2018 in Knysna, South Africa with the finals on Saturday, May 26 at Villa Castollini in Knysna, South Africa. The current Mr. Gay World 2017 John Fernandez Raspado of the Philippines will be crowning his successor. There is a public vote to chose the recipient of the people's choice awards. Various activities are being held to promote the tourism of Knysna and its nearby cities and also competitions which are the criteria for the selection of semifinalists.

Meanwhile here is Watchful Eyes' Mr. Gay World 2018 favorite picks:

Almost There: 

Portugal 
Taiwan

Nebraska's Sarah Rose Summers Is Miss USA 2018!

23 year-old Papillon native Sarah Rose Summers beats 50 other contestants to become the 67th Miss USA 2018. She became the first woman from Cornhusker State to win the title. She graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University with a bachelor's degree in children's development and strategic communications. First runner - up went to North Carolina's Caelynn Miller-Keyes while the second runner-up went to Nevada's Carolina Urrea. The rest of the finalists were Florida's Genesis Davila and South Dakota's Madison Nipe who was the recipient of the fan votes which qualifies her to the semifinals. Here is the results of the competition:


Miss USA 2018: Nebraska – Sarah Rose Summers
1st Runner-Up: North Carolina – Caelynn Miller-Keyes
2nd Runner-Up: Nevada – Carolina Urrea


Top 5
Florida – Génesis Dávila
South Dakota – Madison Nipe §

Top 10
California – Kelley Johnson
Georgia – Marianny Egurrola
Maine – Marina Gray
New Jersey – Alexa Noone
Tennessee – Alexandra Harper

Top 15
Maryland – Brittinay Nicolette
Massachusetts – Allissa Latham
Michigan – Elizabeth Johnson
Oregon – Toneata Morgan
Texas – Logan Lester

Watchful Eyes' Miss USA 2018 Favorites For The Crown

        
         
         The 67th Miss USA 2018 will be returning to Shreveport, Louisiana after twenty years at the very venue of the finals at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum on May 21 after it was last held in 1998 and just after three years it is returning home to the Pelican State. Fifty-one (51) contestants representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete for the coveted crown. The reigning Miss USA 2017 Kara McCullough of the District of Columbia will crown her successor at the end of the event. 

        After watching the preliminary round of competitions, here is Watchful Eyes of a Silhouette favorites to have a shot at Miss USA 2018 crown:


Arkansas
California
District of Columbia
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington



Almost There:

Alabama
Georgia
Iowa
Louisiana
Texas

Watchful Eyes' Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Final Top 25 Picks

The 55th Binibining Pilipinas 2018 will take place on Sunday, March 18 while the pre-pageant specials, The Road to the Crown primer took place last March 11. Forty (40) contestants will be competing for six (6) Binibining Pilipinas 2016 titles namely: Bb. Pilipinas Universe called Miss Universe Philippines, Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe. 

Rachel Peters (Miss Universe 2017 Semifinalist), Mariel de Leon (Bb. Pilipinas International 2017), Chanel Olive Thomas (Miss Supranational 2017 Top 10 Semi-Finalist), Katarina Rodriguez (Miss Intercontinental 2017 1st Runner-up), Elizabeth Clenci (Miss Grand International 2017 2nd Runner-up) and Nelda Ibe (Miss Globe 2017 1st runner-up) will crown their successors at the end of the event. 

Here's Watchful Eyes of a Silhouette Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Final Top 25 List: 


Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Final Picks

1 - Vickie Marie Rushton
3 - Murielle Adrienne Orais
6 - Janice Roman
7 - Sigrid Grace Flores
9 - Agatha Lei Romero
10 - Kayesha Chua
11 - Maria Andrea Abesamis
14 - Samantha Mae Bernardo
15 - Juliana Kapeundl
16 - Annalita Vizcarra
17 - Ma. Athisa Manalo
18 - Rosantonette Mendoza
19 - Michele Theresa Gumabao
20 - Catriona Elisa Gray
22 - Sophia Juliann Baino
23 - Ena Louis Velasco
24 - Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
25 - Jerelleen Rodriguez
26 - Wynonah Van Joy Buot
29 - Samantha Kaye Avestruz
31 - Jehza Mae Huelar
32 - Eva Psychee Patalinjug
35 - Sandra Lemonon
36 - Loren Mar Artajos
38 - Karen Juanita Gallman

Watchful Eyes Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Best In National Costumes

Binibini No.         Name of Contestants    and        Gown Designers


1 - Vicki Rushton in Francis Libiran
4 - Ana Patricia Asturias in Dave Ocampo
8 - Marie Sherry Anne Tormes in Polly Lagyap
9 - Agatha Romero in John Cliff
10 - Kayesha Chua in Justine Navato
11 - Maria Andrea Abesamis in Chico Estiva
13 - Kristie Rose Cequeña in Richard Barretto
14 - Samantha Mae Bernardo in Benj Leguiab
18 - Rosantonette Mendoza in Ryan Uson Ablaza
20 - Catriona Gray in Jearson Demavivas
21 - Anjame Magbitang in Sonny Boy Mindo
24 - Edjelyn Joy Gamboa in Nat Manilag
26 - Wynonah Buot in Hanz Coquilla
27 - Henna Kaizelle Cajandig in Joel Acebuche
29 - Samantha Avestruz in Nick Guarino
30 - Sarah Margarette Joson in Jay-R Gamboa Flores
31 - Jehza Huelar in Neil Patrick Jimlani
33 - Stephanie Abellanida in Archie Castillo
34 - Mary Joy de Castro in Albert Figueras
35 - Sandra Lemonon in Edwin Uy
36 - Loren Mar Artajos in Adriano Samar
38 - Karen Gallman in Louis Pangilinan

The Philippines Has A New National Olympic Committee President And Chairman

Victorico "Ricky" Vargas (rightmost) and Abraham Tolentino (leftmost) were elected as president and chairman of Philippine Olympic Committee, respectively

After more than a decade, the Philippines has a new president and chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Victorico P. Vargas was chosen as the new president while Abraham Tolentino was hailed as the new chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in an election held Thursday, February 23 held at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. Vargas succeeded the current POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. who ruled the organization for 13 years before his defeat in the election.

Vargas is the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) the governing body of boxing in the country while Tolentino is a congressman from Cavite and president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines the governing body of cycling in the country.



Photo Source: 

A. Panlilio on Twitter for CNN Philippines

Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games History Making Records

The 23rd edition of the Winter Games took place from February 9 - February 25, 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea the first Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea and second Olympic games after the 1988 Summer Games held in Seoul. 2,914 athletes from 92 National Olympic Committees representing 92 countries participated and competed for the medals in the event. Here are just some of the historical firsts and record makers in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. 



Winner Olympics Debuting Countries: Ecuador, Eritrea, Kosovo, Malaysia, Nigeria and Singapore.

First athlete to compete at eight consecutive Olympic event: Noriaki Kasai of Japan participated in the ski jumping qualification on February 8, 2018 on the eve of Olympic Games.

Youngest winner of Snowboard (Slopestyle event) - Redmond Gerard of USA (17 years old)

First two consecutive Olympic Figure Skating Gold Medal (Men's Single Event):  Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan

Most consecutive Winter Olympic win in Snowboard (Men's Half-pipe - 3 Olympic Gold Medal) - Shaun White of USA

Highest score obtained in Snowboard Men's Half-pipe - 97.75 achieved by Shaun White of USA

Highest scores obtained in Figure Skating Ladies' Single - 82.92  achieved by Alina Zagitova and 81.61 achieved by Evgenia Medvedeva both by OAR (Olympic Athletes of Russia)

Olympic Debut winning Gold Medal: Ladies Ski Half-pipe (Freestyle Skiing):  Cassie Sharpe of Canada

First Southeast Asian figure skater second consecutive Winter Olympics participation:  Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines

Greatest Winter Olympian - Shaun White of USA

Countries Which Enjoy Participating At Every Olympics But Do Not Intend and Want To Win: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Romania, San Marino




Special Awards:

Opening Ceremony

   Best in National Costume - Tonga flagbearer
   Best Dance Performance - Jamaica
   Best Outfit During the Ceremony - France and Slovenia

REGIONAL MEETS FOR PALARONG PAMBANSA 2018

These are the following schedules of the seventeen (17) regional meets all over the Philippines whose winners will represent their respective regions in the annual and largest multi-sporting event in the country, Palarong Pambansa 2018 to be held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur from April 16 - 20, 2018. 



ACRONYMS

ARMMAA - Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association

CARAA - Cordillera Autonomous Region Athletic Association

NCRAA - National Capital Region Athletic Association

IRAA - Ilocos Region Athletic Association

CAVRAA - Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association 

CLRAA - Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association

STCAA  - Southern Tagalog Calabarzon Athletic Association
  * aka CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon)

MIMAROPAA - Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan   
                            Regional  Athletic Association
  *aka Southern Luzon Region 

BRAA - Bicol Region Athletic Association

WVRAA - Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association

CVRAA - Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association

EVRAA - Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association

ZPRAA - Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association

NMRAA - Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association

DAVRAA - Davao Region Athletic Association 

SRAA - Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association
*aka SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos).



                                       Date                        Venue / Host Province

ARMAA -    February 12 - 16, 2018                         Upi, Maguindanao
CARAA -     February 4 - 9, 2018                            Bangued, Abra
NCRAA -     February 12 - 17, 2018                        Pasig City, MM
IRAA (Region I) -   February 11 - 17, 2018              Alaminos City, Pangasinan
CAVRAA (Region II) -  February 23 - March 1, 2018  Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
CLRAA (Region III) -   February 25 - March 2, 2018  Malolos City, Bulacan
STCAA (Region IV-A) -  February 11 - 17, 2018        San Pablo City, Laguna 
MIMAROPAA (Region IV-B) - March 12 - 16, 2018    San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
BRAA (Region V) -  February 3 - 10, 2018               Naga City, Camarines Sur
WVRAA (Region VI) -  February 18 - 23, 2018         Iloilo City, Iloilo
CVRAA (Region VII) -  February 24 - March 2, 2018   Tagbilaran, Bohol
EVRAA (Region VIII) - February 5 - 10, 2018            Calbayog City, Samar
ZPRAA (Region IX) -  December 10 - 14, 2017    Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
NMRAA (Region X) -   December 13 - 16, 2017   Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Occidental
DAVRAA (Region XI) - February 18 - 23, 2018    Tagum City, Davao del Norte
SRAA (Region XII)  -   February 17 - 21, 2018    Koronadal City, South Cotabato 
CARAGA (Region XIII) -  February 24 - March 1, 2018  Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

Can You Identify These Biblical Fathers?

How many of the biblical fathers (biological and adoptive) described below can you identify? Choose the letter below for your answer before peeking the correct answers


1. His son was a military genius who became a great leader and successor to Moses

2. He was literally left speechless when an angel told him he would become a father

3. A man whose greediness shows mostly clearly in his dealings with his son-in-law

4. God told this man to go ahead with wedding plans even though his intended bride was already pregnant

5. His son had many adventures before he was able to save his entire family from starvation

6. Although a great patriarch, he is most honored for his steadfast faith in God 

7. Although he was a wise and able king, quarreling among his sons brought him much unhappiness

8. This unhappy king feared that his son's bestfriend was trying to usurp his throne

9. Despite a great accomplishment under God's direction, his discovery of fermentation brought embarrassment to his sons

10. Sibling rivalry brought much sadness to this father of twin boys

11. The fact that this father's beloved daughter lived to become a teenager was truly a miracle

12. Although a bachelor, he was a spiritual father to one of his young assistants

a. ABRAHAM

b. ISAAC

c. JACOB

d. JAIRUS

e. JOSEPH

f. LABAN

g. NOAH

h. NUN

i. PAUL

j. SAUL

k. SOLOMON

l. ZECHARIAS 












Answers

1. h. (Deut. 1:37)
2. l. (Luke 1: 18-22)
3. f. (Gen. 31: 1-16)
4. e. (Matt. 1: 18-25)
5. c. (Gen. 45: 4-28)
6. a. (Heb. 11: 8-12)
7. k. (1 Kings 11, 12)
8. j. (1 Sam. 18: 1-16)
9. g. (Gen. 9: 20-22)
10. b. (Gen. 25: 21-23 and 27:33)
11. d. (Luke 8:41, 55)
12. i. (1 Tim. 1:18)

50th Dinagyang Festival 2018 Schedule

Here is the Dinagyang Festival 2018 schedule:

The full schedule of events of the 50th Dinagyang Festival 2018 can also be viewed on the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OrSWFFaHXvqVpt3ICtllHenJZiVD890R/view

50th Dinagyang Festival 2018 Opening Salvo

The 50th Dinagyang Festival 2018 Opening Salvo took place Friday, January 12, 2018 with competing Ati tribes giving the audience a preview of what they are going to perform on the highlights of this popular festival. They roam around all the five (5) judging areas performing some dances moves and performance in preparation for the main highlights. The contestants of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 were also introduced to the public in front of the Freedom Grandstand and then motorcade around the street parade route. The opening salvo also signals the start of two week long activities of the Dinagyang Festival.


Below is the link of the video of the opening salvo taken by RMN Iloilo Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/rmniloilo/videos/2114161982132747/

DINAGYANG @ 50 : Dinagyang 2018 Livestreaming Links

The Dinagyang Festival will celebrate its 50th Golden Anniversary this 2018 from January 20 - 28, 2018 with the main highlights on January 27 - 28. Meanwhile below are the livestreaming links where you can watch various events and activities and the main highlights of this popular festival.

Iloilo City Government Facebook Page

Iloilo Metropolitan Times Facebook Page

Panay News Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/rmniloilo/

RMN Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 Livestream Link

https://www.facebook.com/PanayNews/

Panay News Dinagyang 2018 Livestream Link

Holiday Songs Origin

Some of the popular Christmas carols we sing has origins only a few of us know. Here are some of the popular Holiday songs and Christmas carols and its origin in language, country and other derivations and interesting stories behind it.


Jingle Bells - Language: English - USA  - written by James L. Pierpont, published under the title One Horse, Open Sleigh and first performed in 1857. Originally intended during Thanksgiving Day but eventually popular during Christmas

Silent Night - Language: German - Austria - originally titled Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. The song was written by a priest Fr. Josef Mohr in 1816 and composed by Franz Gruber and was first performed on Christmas eve of 1818 at the St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria.

Have Yourself A Merry Christmas - Language: English - USA - debuted in the 1944 classic film, Meet Me In St. Louis

Joyeux Noel - Language: French - France

Feliz Navidad - Language: Spanish - Puerto Rico - written in 1970 by Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Jose Feliciano

Auld Lang Syne  - Language: English - Scotland - it is a poem written by Scottish poet Robert Burns and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Language: English -  USA - writted by James Gillespie and was first performed on American singer Eddie Cantor's radio show in 1934. However for all its mirth, its inspiration came from a place of grief. Initially, he rejected the job, feeling too overcome with grief to consider penning a playful holiday ditty. But a subway ride recollecting his childhood with his brother and his mother's warnings that Santa was watching changed his mind. He had the lyrics in 15 minutes, then called in composer John Coots to make up the music that would become a big hit within 24 hours of its debut. 

Hark! The Herald Angel Sing - Language: English - England - written by Charles Wesley and first appeared in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739. The melody used in the lyrics was that of Felix Mendelssohn

Deck The Halls - Language: English - Wales - The lyrics were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant around 1862 while its melody is Welsh in origin which dates back to the sixteenth century and belongs to a winter carol, "Nos Galan".

Petit Papa Noel  - Language: French - France - it is a 1946 song recorded by French singer Tino Rossi and written by Raymond Vincy and Henri Martinet, this Christmas song was originally performed by Rossi in Richard Pottier's film Destins.

Oh Come, All Ye Faithful - Language: Latin - Various Countries - originally written in Latin as Adeles Fideles, the song has been attributed to various authors including John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692) and King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656), with the earliest manuscript of the hymn bearing his name, located in the library of the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa.

Little Drummer Boy - originally known as "Carol of the Drum", the song was written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. First recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers, the song was further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale; the Simeone version was re-released successfully for several years and the song has been recorded many times since.

White Christmas - Language: English - USA - debuted in the 1940 black and white film, Holiday Inn

O Christmas Tree - Language: German - Germany - originally named O Tanenbaum, the song's earliest version dates back to the 16th century, when Melchior Franck wrote a folk song about the tradition of bringing a small fir tree into one's home to decorate and sit beside the seasonal nativity scene. This decorating tradition and its celebratory song moved from Germany to the U.S. along with its emigrants. The modern lyrics were written in 1824, by the Leipzig organist, teacher and composer Ernst Anschütz.

We Three Kings - Language: English - USA -  is a Christmas carol that was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. Many versions of this song have been composed and it remains a popular Christmas carol.




Source:

Wikipedia
The Origins of 10 Popular Christmas Carols, MentalFloss.com - http://mentalfloss.com/article/60596/origins-10-popular-christmas-carols
https://gbtimes.com/understand-words-christmas-carols

12 Days Of Christmas Song Symbols, Origins and Stories

The song "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a popular Christmas song all around the world. According to the Wikipedia, it is an English Christmas carol that enumerates in the manner of a cumulative song a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas (to which the twelve days represents the Christmas season beginning with Christmas Day). It was published in England in 1780 without music as a chant or rhyme and thought to be French in origin. It has so many versions but the standard tune associated with it and is popular today is derived from a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin, who first introduced the now familiar prolongation of the verse "five gold ring."

Many people don't know but there are hidden meanings and symbolisms on these songs than merely a Christmas carols and gifts of love. Its symbolisms enriches and gives color to the meaning of Christmas and our deep connection to Christ. Each of the elements on each day as well has its own origins.

In 1979, according to a Canadian hymnologist, Hugh D. McKellar, who published an article, "How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas", he suggested that someone wrote "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without the risk of persecution as pious Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly from 1558 - 1829. These are the song's grand gifts on each day of Christmas and their hidden meaning is known only to members of the church. Each supposed "grand gift" increasing in number each day in the carol is a code word for a religious reality. 

Religious Symbols

A Partridge in a Pear Tree is Jesus Christ
Two Turtle Doves represent the Old and New Testaments
Three French Hens stand for Faith, Hope and Charity (theological virtues) or the Gifts of the Magi (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh)
Four Colly Birds are the Four Gospels
Five Gold Rings recall the Torah (law) or the First Five Books of the Old Testament

Six Geese A-Laying stands for the Six Days of Creation
Seven Swans A-Swimming represents the Sevenfold Gifts of the Spirit

Eight Maids A-Milking are the Eight Beatitudes
Nine Ladies Dancing are the Nine Fruits of the Spirit
Ten Lords A-Leaping are the Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping stands for the Eleven Faithful Disciples
Twelve Drummers Drumming symbolizes the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed

The Twelve Days of Christmas first appeared in a children's book Mirth Without Mischief which appears to be a memory and forfeit game in England in 1780 (though some say the song itself is like a memory game). The object of the game is to have the first player start out reciting the first verse, with each of the following players repeating the previous verse and then adding one. If a player missed a verse or made some kind of error, then he/she would have to give a kiss or some kind of food to someone else.  Though the first published version of the song was in England there are three older versions of the song in French and another version from Scotland therefore, some people argue that the origins of the song are highly debatable with the song not necessarily in English but French.

As for the twelve grand gifts, there are some symbolism and origins of how they came to be celebrated as presents in a song.

Origins and Stories

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

One tradition for the Twelfth Night is to go around wassailing fruit trees as a kind of fertility rite. The way to do it varies for centuries. By the 18th century (when the song was created and published) wassailing was done by pouring cider, honey, spices, and pulp from a burst baked apple (all combined and mixed in a bowl) around the trees. The term "wassail" was derived from the phrase waes hael which means "be whole" or in other words be in good health.

Another folklore tells that a young maiden is supposed to walk backward around a pear tree three times in the morning of Christmas day where she will gaze into the branches and then she will see the image of her future husband.

Fruits represent fertility and sexuality through centuries. Apples represent the female while the pear is supposed to represent the male. The male partridge is also well known for being a lusty suitor, very fertile, and producing a lot of offspring therefore, the "partridge in a pear tree" has a sexual connotation.

In England, the red-legged partridge was commonly known to sit in pear trees but this bird was not introduced to England from France until the late 1770s. Since the verse was earlier than that time, many people believed that the song originated from France.



Two Turtle Doves

Doves for centuries have symbolized both love and fertility.  Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of love, is said to have been hatched on the banks of the Euphrates River from an egg that was warmed by two doves.  Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, was born of water, where doves are often depicted drinking. Hence, this is why they are often seen as fountain art.  Christianity then associated doves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Doves are believed to mate for life.  Today, they symbolize marital devotion, faithfulness, and love forever.



Three French Hens

Some believe that French hens prove that this song really originated in France. How? The Latin name for France was Gaul, which comes from the Latin word Gallia which is close to another Roman word for rooster.

In Christian religion, it was believed that a cock crowed when Christ was born as a sign that "the light of the world" has arrived. The reason for which a rooster on a Christian tomb symbolizes 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.



Four Calling (Colly) Birds

We have been singing calling birds all this time but in reality, it's colly birds. A colly bird is a European black bird.  Colly means black. Therefore, a dark, black bird looked like black coal and was called a "collie" or "Colly Bird."   

It means that the song is saying four crows but who likes crows for Christmas? These people did back in the old times. During the medieval days, blackbird was considered a delicacy. In the children's song "Sing a Song of Sixpence" there are 24 blackbirds baked in a pie.  Pies seemed to be a real gourmet food in the peak of The Twelfth Night's days and were often a sign of status and competition among the wealthy.  Dining during this time was a form of entertainment, with food presentations, fireworks, and surprises coming out of them. 

But, the grandest pie of all was said to be in the year 1770 for Sir Henry Grey at a Twelfth Night celebration in London.  This pie is said to be 9 feet in circumference.  The filling was composed of two bushels of flour, two woodcocks, two turkeys, two rabbits, two ox tongues, four geese, four ducks, four partridges, six pigeons, seven blackbirds and twenty lbs. of butter!  The pie weighed 168 lbs. and was wheeled into the dining room. 



Five Golden Rings

Actually, it is not the gold rings given on the fifth day but it is just a reference to birds (observe the pattern in the song) and the 5 golden rings are said to represent the gold rings on a pheasant's neck but why pheasant?

It all begins with the legend of Jason and the Argonauts back in 750 B.C. when they sailed from Thessaly, Greece in search of the "Golden Fleece".  During this epic journey, they landed in Phalis, acquiring not only the sorceress, Medea but also a lot of golden birds.  The Greek word phasianornis means "bird of Phasis."  It is believed that this species of ring-necked pheasant is from the sub-species of the infamous "Golden Fleece."  Soon, eating pheasant was only for the very rich and royal, often becoming the high-point of the feast.  Many times, it was customary to swear an oath upon it before eating.



Six Geese A-Laying

Going back to Neolithic times, the goose is one of the oldest domesticated birds.  It's also been the topic of a lot of folklore.

Because of their migration habits, they were often considered to be a symbol of the solar year and also fertility. Ancient Egyptians believed that a mummy's soul rose up in the form of a goose with a human head.  The Roman goddess, Juno (who rules heaven and marriages), considered the goose sacred. Why? In 387 B.C. the geese in her temple cackled and honked, warning the Romans that barbarians were close.  Ever since then, the geese have been honored for their protective services.   Medieval seafarers had a strange tale about the origin of the goose.  It seems that on the hull of their ships grew this long, goose-shaped barnacle.  Coincidentally, there was also an Arctic goose that migrated around England. Since this goose and the barnacle looked a lot alike, the sailors said that the goose originated from the barnacle and in some tales a seaside tree.

But why geese are this important? It is because the goose came from a tree it was suddenly all right to eat because it was then considered a 'fruit' and not the 'flesh of animals.'  By the 18th century, the goose was the customary Christmas dinner.  The boar had been hunted to extinction, so it was no longer served. But, many homes served a string of sausages around the goose as a reminder of the boar in days past.



Seven Swans A-Swimming

Because many waterfowl could both fly and swim, the ancients had a real fascination with them.  Many believed that these animals had a connection between the natural and supernatural worlds.   The migrations of some birds (disappearing when days grew short and coming when they grew longer) also added to their beliefs.   Egypt Linked swans with immortality, just like they did the geese.   The Greek priests, who worship Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, are believed to be descended from swans.  Old Celtic and British myths believe that lost loved ones turn into swans, with gold or silver chains on their necks to symbolize their enchantment.  The transformation is believed to take place during their Samhain festival, where the gates of the other worlds open up and souls are free to pass.
King Edward of England, in 1304 took his vows of knighthood over two white swans decorated with gold nets and crowns.  Since then, the swans became associated with royalty; and, having swans was strictly exclusive to the monarchy.  In Britain today, the swan is still considered a symbol of royalty.

In 1697 black swans were discovered in Australia.  This caused a great stir in Europe because up until then, it was believed that swans were supposed to be white. At least, they were all white in Europe!



Eight Maids A-Milking

This refers to the many food products that are made of milk.  In the old days, due to poor refrigeration, a person didn't really drink fresh milk.  Milk quickly would sour and/or separate.  But, when it was in the form of sweet milk, sour cream, butter, and/or cheese, then milk became very important!

Custard was one of the favorite foods of the Middle Ages. Another was boiling (hulled) wheat in milk, with egg yolks and some saffron.  Its closest resemblance today would be like oatmeal?  Cottage cheese was another popular food. But, actual cheese was the prize!  Both in England and France, cheese provided food during the long winters.  

In 18th century England, they played a game on Christmas night called "Yawning for the Chesire Cheese."  OK, now we all know that yawning is addictive.  It's really hard to not yawn when you see someone yawn. Well, back in those days they had yawning contests.  And, the person who made the widest and longest yawn --- and who produced the greatest yawns in return --- won the cheese!

Now we get to the term "come a-milking."  In the 18th century, when a maiden was asked to "go a-milking" it had one of two meanings.  Either it was a proposal of marriage; or, it was a rather risquè invitation for intimacy.  I'm not sure how a girl knew which intention the man meant.



Nine Ladies Dancing

Along the same lines as the bagpipes previously, dancing was also connected to the music. As I said above, the dances were known as caroles. During the Middle Ages, the Carole was very popular court entertainment. But, before this time, dancing was considered a sin of the flesh and was connected with the devil. Since most dances were done in circles, the direction in which one danced also mattered. Slowly, dancing got accepted --- but only if done in the correct direction! The Christian church considered dancing to the left = bad but dancing to the right = good. However, many non-Christian people danced from left to right because they were worshipping the sun (round) as a way of representing the sun's movement from east to west. The sun was a priority in many dances. They didn't do it as a form of evil. In some cases, the dances were done in a circle around a fire. The fire represented the sun's light, warmth, and purifying qualities. Eventually, the Christian church failed in banning dancing, especially in circles going left. And, by the 15th century, the word for carole was replaced with the word branle, because dancing was then associated with songs. Eventually, the songs turned into stories, like those about Christmas. This is how the term Christmas Carols came about. As the years went on, the round dance, grew into many different types of dances.



Ten Lords A-Leaping

Leaping dances were strictly for men. These dances were for the purpose of fertility as well as for war. These physically exerting dances were meant to rile up the men for battle to create some kind of mental exhilaration. 

The Roman god of vegetation and war was Mars.  The Roman priests of their Salii ritual would leap as high as they could in the air in hopes of inducing the corn to grow. It was believed that the height of their leap would be the height of the corn. Swords were a part of their costume.  

In Britain, the lords a-leaping are assumed to be Morris dancers, highly costumed ceremonial folk, who performed between the courses of a Christmas feast.  One form of Morris dancing included swords (just like the Salii ritual mentioned above) also.  In this dance, twelve men in two teams performed intricate patterns, ending with the swords being braided together to form a Lock or Nut above the Lord of Misrule (during the Twelfth Night Celebration).  In other Morris dancing, instead of swords, antlers were worn.

By the end of the 18th century, this style of dance was no longer of interest to the upper classes for entertainment.  It was being performed at festivals or fairs only.

Some believe that the lords a-leaping did a dance called the gavotte for the Twelfth Night celebrations because it was accompanied by a drum and bagpipe.  The gavotte lasted until the end of the 18th century and then faded away in popularity.



Eleven Pipers Piping

Sitting around, watching your sheep was a pretty boring job. So, shepherds often would play their pipes.  It is believed that on the night Jesus was born, shepherds were playing.  It's also rumored that while Rome burned, Nero wasn't fiddling. Instead, he was playing bagpipes!  

By the 9th century, the bagpipe was the instrument for all medieval celebrations.  This music had only one single line of melody, which suited the bagpipe quite nicely, especially for dances called caroles.

Drones, which could produce only a single tone were added to the bagpipes in the 13th century.  The drone is what creates that background hum that you hear.  As the demand for more harmony, multi-notes, and melodies grew, the bagpipes were losing their popularity and being replaced by other musical instruments.  But, it never died out in Scotland!  In the 16th century, the bagpipe became an instrument associated with soldiers and fighting.  It had a real stirring effect on the men!  Because of this, the English banned the bagpipe in Ireland.

In France, the bagpipe was popular as an accompaniment for dance.  In the 17th century, a new kind of bagpipe was created called the musette.  These were driven by bellows (rather than mouthblown), and the sound was less shrill. The French nobility also had their musettes crafted not just as musical instruments, but as works of art, with ivory chanter and bag covers made of embroidered silk, with tassels and fringes.  Many French musicians often played the musette as entertainment for Twelfth Night celebrations.



Twelve Drummers Drumming

In the early days of England, they had town watchmen, known as waits, who went around patrolling the streets and calling out the hours of the night. By the 18th century, they got a little more skilled and turned into town musicians. During Christmastime, these town musicians were nicely rewarded.  They sang day and night, often serenading sleepers from midnight to dawn.

But, odd as this seems, Europe wasn't really into drums.  They actually first got introduced to them during the Crusades when they brought them back to Europe as their spoils from the Holy Land.  These drums were basically Egyptian and Sumerian.  Soon, the beat of a drum became associated with warfare.  And, a symbol of marching into battle.

The drum also became associated with the trumpet, to announce the arrival of each course during banquets.  A skilled musician could not only play the pipes but also the tabor (a small drum).  This was known as the whittle and dub.




Source:

Twelve Days of Christmas Wikipedia
The Twelve Days of Christmas Christmas Carol History, Meaning & Symbol, Brownielocks & The 3 Bears - https://www.brownielocks.com/twelvedaysofchristmas.html
The Hidden Meaning Behind The 12 Days Of ChristmasThis Gives A Whole New Meaning To The Song - http://www.raskys.com/christmas38.html