The Twelve Days of Christmas are a traditional Christian observation period starting on Christmas Day and lasting twelve days, with the lyrics to the corresponding carol detailing a series of progressively extravagant gifts given on each of these days.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a well-loved English carol that dates back to the 1700s. This cumulative song describes a series of gifts given on each of the twelve days following Christmas Day, ending on the eve of Epiphany, January 5.
The lyrics of the carol are a playful memory game, where each verse adds a new gift to the list. The gifts, starting from the first day, are as follows:
- A partridge in a pear tree
- Two turtle doves
- Three French hens
- Four calling birds
- Five golden rings
- Six geese a-laying
- Seven swans a-swimming
- Eight maids a-milking
- Nine ladies dancing
- Ten lords a-leaping
- Eleven pipers piping
- Twelve drummers drumming
The exact origins of the carol are unclear, but it is believed to have French origins or to have been a memory game popular during the time of its creation. The song reflects the festive customs of the period, including the twelve days of Christmas, which refer to the Christian festive period starting on December 25 and ending on January 5.
While the carol is most commonly associated with Frederic Austin, an English composer who published a version of it in 1909, the precise authorship remains unknown. The version of The Twelve Days of Christmas that is most commonly known today comes from Austin's work.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a fascinating piece of Christmas tradition, offering a glimpse into the past and the customs of a bygone era. Despite its age, the carol remains a beloved part of Christmas celebrations, bringing joy and nostalgia to many.
The carol's lyrics also include a verse about five golden rings, suggesting a connection to wealth and luxury, which could be considered a form of entertainment. On the same note, the use of music in the carol, such as the pipers piping and drummers drumming, further enhances the entertainment value of this classic holiday song.
