The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by singing along to one of the most iconic Christmas carols of all time - "The 12 Days of Christmas"? This catchy tune has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, and its clever lyrics and repetitive melody make it a joy to sing along to. In this article, we'll delve into the history of "The 12 Days of Christmas," explore its lyrics in-depth, and even provide a printable version for you to enjoy.
The Origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
The exact origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas" are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to have originated in England in the 16th century. The song is thought to have been written as a children's game, with each verse representing a different gift given on each of the 12 days of Christmas. The song's clever use of repetition and rhyme makes it easy to remember, and its catchy melody has made it a holiday classic.
The Lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas"
So, what are the lyrics to this beloved carol? Here's a breakdown of each verse:
- On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a partridge in a pear tree
- On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
- On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree
Printable Version of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
Want to print out a copy of "The 12 Days of Christmas" to enjoy with friends and family? Here's a printable version:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Verse 1: On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: A partridge in a pear tree
Verse 2: On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 3: On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 4: On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 5: On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 6: On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 7: On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 8: On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 9: On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 10: On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 11: On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Verse 12: On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree
Conclusion
And there you have it - the complete lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas" in a printable format. Whether you're singing along with friends and family or enjoying some quiet time with a cup of hot cocoa, this beloved carol is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. So go ahead, print out a copy, and start singing along!
What is the origin of "The 12 Days of Christmas"?
+The exact origin of "The 12 Days of Christmas" is unknown, but it's believed to have originated in England in the 16th century.
How many verses are there in "The 12 Days of Christmas"?
+There are 12 verses in "The 12 Days of Christmas", each representing a different gift given on each of the 12 days of Christmas.
Can I print out a copy of "The 12 Days of Christmas"?
+Yes, you can print out a copy of "The 12 Days of Christmas" using the printable version provided in this article.