...on the seventh day of christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven Swans-a-Swimming.

 symbolism // The Swans can represent two aspects of the Catholic Faith. On one hand they are said to symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. As well as the seven sacraments of Catholicism: Baptism, Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, and the Ritual of Last Rights. Some also believe that due to a swans elegance and mystery, they were referring to the seven planets known at the time of the song’s creation. 

...on the sixth day of christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six Geese-a-Laying.

 symbolism // The Geese are said to represent the Creation Story in Genesis. The 6 days God spent building the universe is symbolized by the geese giving birth as well as creation cycle of life: birth, death and rebirth. And how suiting is it that the number 6 is a spiraling curve that can also be seen a circular symbol of the cycle of life.

...on the fifth day of christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five Golden Rings.

symbolism //  The Golden Rings hardly needs any explanation to the receiver! However, this gift has a reference to the first five books of the Holy Bible known as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is also said that they are related to another 
type of bird, either the ring-necked pheasant or the “Gold Spinks”, which is an old name for “Goldfinches”.

...on the fourth day of christmas

On the forth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four Calling Birds.

symbolism // The Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and their writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Some say that “calling birds” is a misnomer for “Colly Birds”, a black crow representing mystery and darkness. In early times black birds were a plentiful food source, often baked into pies, making it an appropriate gift for the holidays.

...on the third day of christmas

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three French Hens

symbolism // During Elizabethan rule over England, the French Hen was a priceless poultry. This aristocratic standing led to their later symbolism as faith, love, and hope, or their personification as the goddess in three forms; virgin, mother and hag. In religious context, they are said to represent both the Holy Trinity, and the three gifts the Magi brought to Christ: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

...on the second day of christmas

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two Turtle Doves.

 symbolism // The two Turtle Doves have symbolism in religious history as well as spiritual representation. The two turtle doves are thought to represent the Old and New Testaments. It is mentioned in the New Testament that two turtle doves are sacrificed for the Birth of Jesus, symbolic of the sacrifice Christ made by giving his life as payment for the sins of man, ultimately making them a sign of devoted love. Spiritually they are also said to signify the idea of duality, as doves are known to have mournful voices, the two turtle doves can represent love and loss. 

...on the first day of christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

 symbolism // The Partridge is thought to represent the son of God and savior to the Christian world. A mother partridge will protect her nest by pretending to be injured to decoy a predator away from her chicks. She will even be willing to die for them. Most of the year partridges are found in small flocks but they begin to “pair” up in the winter. Two becoming one. This oneness begotten from the pairing of many is thought to represent supreme goodness.

the 12 days of christmas countdown

This is the 12 days of Christmas countdown!

When I first set out to create this series I had just thought that the Twelve Days of Christmas was a silly nonsensical Christmas Carol. But as I started to do some more research it became obvious that things aren’t always what they seem. It’s easy to miss the meaning if you don’t take the time to stop and really listen.

Modern folklore claims that when you sing The Twelve Days of Christmas you are actually reciting an ancient secret catechims loaded with symbolic meaning to help catholic children learn their faith without risk of being persecuted or charged of witchcraft in 8th Century England. 

Isn’t that totally fascinating!! I thought it was :) So with that tidbit of information I’m going to go ahead kickoff the countdown!!

holiday want list!

These are a few of the things I’ve been lusting over this holiday season.

1. Troopa Boots :: I had a pair of combat boots back in college. I’ve been feeling the itch to aquire another pair.

2. Sion Hooded Cardigan :: I need a good new cardigan. The one I’ve been wearing around town is over 6 years old and it say maternity on the tag.

3.The Daily Method :: I’ve been wanting to try these exercise classes since a friend mentioned it to me this summer.  

4. Beautiful Ruins :: I’m always up for a epic romantic love story.

5. Cutlery Knife Set :: Now that I’ve been cooking more I have a really understanding of how important a good knife can be.

…and here’s what my daughter is hoping for this holiday season!

American Girl.

Spider.

Another Dog.

Play Phone. 

Santa please fix Sofie (her teddy bear). 

Can you get my Mama a black iPad, for my mom. 

Apron. 

Can I get a computer? 

Can I get a fairy wand and can I be a fairy.

Gotta love that she was asking Santa for a iPad for her Mama even if she had ulterior motives and it was because she doesn’t want to share her iPad!! 

on my desktop :: a cupcake or two

The prep for 2013 is already under way! Here’s a small glimpse of Megan and my Sweet Spot banner for our Total Art Licensing Winter Ad.

We’ll be doing things a little differently in 2013!! 

We made the big decision NOT to exhibit at Surtex in May. We’re taking a risk, thinking outside the box and trying something new and different this year!!

But not to worry, we’ll still be throwing it down in NYC!!