The festive season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than singing along to the classic Christmas carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas"? In this article, we'll provide you with the lyrics to this beloved song, as well as a printable version that you can use to share with family and friends.
The Origin of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
"The 12 Days of Christmas" is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 16th century. The song is believed to have originated in England, where it was sung as a children's game. The song's lyrics are thought to have been written by a Catholic priest, who used the song as a way to teach children about the Christian faith.
What are the 12 Days of Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas refer to the period of time between Christmas Day (December 25th) and the Epiphany (January 6th). This period is also known as Twelvetide. According to tradition, the 12 days of Christmas represent the time it took for the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, to travel to Bethlehem to pay homage to the baby Jesus.
The Lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas"
Here are the 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
Printable Version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" Lyrics
Here is a printable version of the lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas":
[Insert printable version of the lyrics]
Fun Facts About "The 12 Days of Christmas"
- The song's lyrics are often seen as a way to teach children about the Christian faith, with each gift representing a different aspect of the faith.
- The song's melody is thought to have originated in France, and was later adapted into the English version we know today.
- The song's lyrics have been translated into many different languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
Conclusion
"The 12 Days of Christmas" is a beloved Christmas carol that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. With its catchy melody and fun lyrics, it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit. We hope you've enjoyed this article, and that you'll join in the fun by singing along to this classic Christmas carol.
Share Your Favorite Christmas Carol
Do you have a favorite Christmas carol? Share it with us in the comments below! We'd love to hear about your favorite holiday tunes.
What is the meaning behind "The 12 Days of Christmas"?
+The song's lyrics are thought to have been written by a Catholic priest, who used the song as a way to teach children about the Christian faith. Each gift represents a different aspect of the faith.
Where did the melody of "The 12 Days of Christmas" originate?
+The song's melody is thought to have originated in France, and was later adapted into the English version we know today.
How many different languages have "The 12 Days of Christmas" lyrics been translated into?
+The song's lyrics have been translated into many different languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Italian.