EP. 9: Legend of Death and Fruits

“On the ninth day of Christmas

my true love gave to me,

Nine ladies dancing”

This familiar line from a beloved Christmas carol might seem whimsical at first, but what if there’s a deeper story behind it? Who are these nine ladies, and why are they dancing? To uncover the mystery, we must journey to the heart of England’s countryside—Stanton Moor in Derbyshire’s Peak District.

It’s a beautiful, untouched haven, featuring huge fields of vibrant green grass; the perfect quiet space for anyone. However, putting the calming plains aside, there’s another reason why this haven is untouched. Looking closer, Stanton Moor is also the home of ancient stone circles, which trace back to the Bronze Age; meaning to say that they could be over 4,000 years old!

Yet, amongst all circles in the area, there’s a certain one whose history sticks out like a sore thumb.

The Nine Ladies have been given three reasons by archaeologists—folk, tradition, and religion as to why they exist today.

According to archaeologists, the stone circle originally contained ten stones, with the missing one having fallen over and being discovered years later. Still, the nine stones that remained upright intrigued archaeologists. These mysterious stones form a ring that covers an area of 38x34 feet in diameter, roughly half the size of a basketball court!

Archaeologists theorize that the stone circle was used for occasions such as seasonal meet-up events, or that they could represent burial sites back in the old days.

But folklore tells a more dramatic story. According to legend, the Nine Ladies were once nine women who danced on a Sunday, accompanied by a folk musician. Unbeknownst to them, the musician was the King Stone, a figure of authority. Enraged by their disregard for the Sabbath, he punished them by turning them into stone, forever frozen in their dance.

For those who view the world through a spiritual lens, the Nine Ladies take on a more uplifting meaning. In the Christian tradition, they are often associated with the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are seen as the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life, guiding believers toward a path of compassion and harmony.

Whether you view the Nine Ladies as part of the research, ancient folklore, or a deeper spiritual symbol, their legacy continues to resonate; from a timeless stone circle in the heart of England to the spiritual virtues they represent, the Nine Ladies remind us of the values that bring joy, peace, and harmony to our lives.

And for that reason, next time you sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” perhaps you’ll remember the Nine Ladies dancing — not just in folklore, but in the hearts of those who strive to live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit.