12 Days Of Christmas Lyrics Printable Guide

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The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of singing Christmas carols with loved ones. Among the most beloved and iconic holiday tunes is "The 12 Days of Christmas," a traditional English carol that has been delighting audiences for centuries. In this article, we'll delve into the history and significance of this festive favorite, provide a printable guide to the lyrics, and explore the symbolism behind each of the 12 gifts.

The Origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

The exact origin of "The 12 Days of Christmas" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 16th or 17th century. The song is thought to have been written as a children's game, with the lyrics serving as a memory aid to help young people remember the Christian faith. The song's melody is believed to be French in origin, and the lyrics were likely written by an English composer.

The Significance of the 12 Days

The 12 days of Christmas refer to the period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Epiphany (January 6), which is also known as Three Kings' Day. According to Christian tradition, the Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, to the baby Jesus. The 12 days of Christmas are seen as a time of celebration and reflection, marking the transition from the old year to the new.

The Printable Guide to the Lyrics

Here is a printable guide to the lyrics of "The 12 Days of Christmas":

Day 1: A partridge in a pear tree

Day 2: Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 3: Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 4: Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 5: Five gold rings Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 6: Six geese a-laying Five gold rings Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 7: 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

Day 8: 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

Day 9: 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

Day 10: 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

Day 11: 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

Day 12: 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

The Symbolism Behind Each Gift

Each of the 12 gifts in the song is believed to have symbolic meaning, representing various aspects of the Christian faith. Here is a brief explanation of each gift:

• Partridge in a pear tree: Jesus Christ, the Son of God
• Turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
• French hens: Faith, hope, and charity
• Calling birds: The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
• Gold rings: The five books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)
• Geese a-laying: The six days of creation
• Swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord)
• Maids a-milking: The eight beatitudes (Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc.)
• Ladies dancing: The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)
• Lords a-leaping: The ten commandments
• Pipers piping: The eleven faithful apostles (excluding Judas Iscariot)
• Drummers drumming: The twelve points of the Apostles' Creed

Conclusion: Spread the Joy of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

"The 12 Days of Christmas" is a beloved holiday carol that has been delighting audiences for centuries. With its catchy melody and symbolic lyrics, it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. We hope this printable guide to the lyrics has been helpful, and we encourage you to share the joy of "The 12 Days of Christmas" with friends and family this holiday season.