Printable 12 Days Of Christmas Song Lyrics

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of singing festive tunes with loved ones. One of the most beloved and iconic Christmas carols is "The 12 Days of Christmas." This traditional song has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, and its catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it a favorite among people of all ages.

In this article, we'll delve into the history and meaning behind "The 12 Days of Christmas," as well as provide you with printable lyrics to enjoy with your family and friends.

A Brief History of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

The exact origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas" are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 16th century. The song is thought to have been written as a children's song, with the 12 days of Christmas representing the period between Christmas Day and the Epiphany (January 6th), which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

Unwrapping the Meaning Behind the Song

At first glance, the lyrics of "The 12 Days of Christmas" may seem like a simple, albeit extravagant, list of gifts given to a loved one over the 12 days of Christmas. However, each gift is often interpreted as having a deeper symbolic meaning, particularly in relation to Christianity.

For example:

• A partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
• Two turtle doves symbolize the Old and New Testaments.
• Three French hens represent faith, hope, and charity.
• Four calling birds are the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
• Five gold rings signify the five books of the Torah.
• Six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation.
• Seven swans a-swimming symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• Eight maids a-milking represent the eight beatitudes.
• Nine ladies dancing symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• Ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments.
• Eleven pipers piping symbolize the eleven faithful apostles.
• Twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

Printable 12 Days of Christmas Song Lyrics

Here are the printable lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas":

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

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Now that you have the printable lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas," why not get into the holiday spirit by singing along with your loved ones? You can also use these lyrics as a fun and educational tool to teach children about the history and meaning behind this beloved Christmas carol.

Making the Most of the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and celebration. Whether you're singing Christmas carols, decorating your home, or simply spending time with loved ones, there are many ways to make the most of this special time of year.

Some ideas to get you started include:

• Hosting a holiday party or dinner
• Volunteering at a local charity or soup kitchen
• Making homemade gifts or decorations
• Singing Christmas carols at a local nursing home or hospital
• Watching classic holiday movies or TV shows

Conclusion

The 12 Days of Christmas is a timeless holiday classic that continues to delight audiences of all ages. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, it's the perfect song to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you're singing along with your loved ones or using the lyrics as a fun and educational tool, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper appreciation for this beloved Christmas carol.

What's Your Favorite Holiday Song?

We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite holiday song, and why do you love it? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's get into the holiday spirit together!