The xmas gifts a "true love" gave during the 12 days of Christmas song. The song was first seen in print around 1780 but the exact origins of the song are unknown, it is thought to have been in existence for a lot longer and possibly has French roots. The 12 days in the song refer to the time between Christmas day and Epiphany (January the 6th). The song DOES NOT have coded catholic meanings. Some sites refer to hidden meanings for each christmas gift mentioned in the song, however most of the explanations given by these sites are simply absurd. It's just an urban myth.
Day of Christmas | Christmas Gift |
---|---|
First | A Partridge in a pear tree |
Second | 2 Turtle Doves |
Third | 3 French Hens |
Fourth | 4 Calling Birds |
Fifth | 5 Gold Rings |
Sixth | 6 Geese a-laying |
Seventh | 7 Swans a-swimming |
Eighth | 8 Maids a-milking |
Ninth | 9 Ladies Dancing |
Tenth | 10 Lords a-leaping |
Eleventh | 11 Pipers Piping |
Twelfth | 12 Drummers Drumming |