Yes, actually, this is one of the few symbols that make sense to me in the song about the 12 days of Christmas.  The eleven pipers represent the 11 faithful disciples.  They remained true and spread the good news about Christ throughout their world at that time.  They were like pipers piping, singing the Gospel story to all who would hear, following Jesus’ command to tell the good news to the ends of the Earth.

Another example of this is found in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint, who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Day 11, January 4th, celebrates her, and in the past it also celebrated the feast of Saint Simon Stylites (who lived on a small platform on the top of a pillar for 37 years!).

The point of all these celebrations and remembrances is Christ being the Light of the world , for all people. The Twelve Days of Christmas is supposed to bring focus to those who have played very significant parts in spreading God’s Light. Tomorrow is 12th night, the day before Epiphany, Jan 5….12 drummers drumming…