The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of singing festive tunes with loved ones. One of the most beloved Christmas carols is "The 12 Days of Christmas," a fun and catchy song that has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries. But have you ever found yourself struggling to remember the lyrics, or getting tangled up in the various verses and gifts? Look no further! In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the "12 Days of Christmas" lyrics, complete with a printable version for you to enjoy.
Understanding the Song's Origins
Before we dive into the lyrics, let's take a brief look at the origins of this festive favorite. "The 12 Days of Christmas" is believed to have originated in 16th-century England, where it was sung as a children's game. The song's lyrics are thought to have been written by English Catholics, who used the song as a way to teach children about their faith. The "12 days" refer to the period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Epiphany (January 6), which marks the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
The Gifts of the 12 Days of Christmas
So, what exactly are the gifts mentioned in the song? Let's take a look at each of the 12 days and the corresponding gifts:
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree Day 2: Two Turtle Doves Day 3: Three French Hens Day 4: Four Calling Birds Day 5: Five Golden Rings Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Printable Guide to the 12 Days of Christmas Lyrics
Here is a printable guide to the "12 Days of Christmas" lyrics, complete with a numbered list of each day's gifts:
The 12 Days of Christmas Lyrics
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 golden 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 golden 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 golden 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 golden 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 golden 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 golden 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 golden 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 golden rings Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree
Interesting Facts About the 12 Days of Christmas
- The song is believed to have been written in the 16th century, but the exact author is unknown.
- The song's melody is thought to have originated in France, and was later adapted into the English version we know today.
- The "12 days" refer to the period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Epiphany (January 6), which marks the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
How to Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas
- Start a new tradition by giving a small gift to a loved one on each of the 12 days.
- Create a fun and festive atmosphere by decorating your home with elements from the song (e.g. partridges, pear trees, etc.).
- Host a "12 Days of Christmas" party, complete with games, food, and activities inspired by the song.
Conclusion
The "12 Days of Christmas" is a beloved holiday song that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. With its catchy melody and fun lyrics, it's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. We hope this printable guide has been helpful in your holiday celebrations, and that you've enjoyed learning more about the song's origins and history.
Share Your Thoughts!
Do you have a favorite holiday song or tradition? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you.
What is the origin of the 12 Days of Christmas song?
+The 12 Days of Christmas song is believed to have originated in 16th-century England, where it was sung as a children's game. The song's lyrics are thought to have been written by English Catholics, who used the song as a way to teach children about their faith.
What are the 12 gifts mentioned in the song?
+The 12 gifts mentioned in the song are: 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, and twelve drummers drumming.
How can I celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas?
+You can celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas by giving a small gift to a loved one on each of the 12 days, creating a fun and festive atmosphere by decorating your home with elements from the song, or hosting a "12 Days of Christmas" party, complete with games, food, and activities inspired by the song.