Twelve Days of Christmas

"Patridge in a Pear Tree"...

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol that lists a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days which begin Christmas Day and last through January 6th. The song was first published in 1780 England and had no rhythm to it. The version that we all know was later established in 1909 by English composer Frederic Austin.

In Christianity, the Twelve Days of Christmas celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to meet the baby Jesus.

During the Middle Ages, England celebrated by feasting and creating their own merryment. In Tudor England, the Twelfth Night was made popular in William Shakespeare’s famous stage play, Twelfth Night.

In Western Christianity each day’s feast is in memory of a Saint or event associated with the Christmas season. On the fifth day, there is the feast for Saint Thomas Becket.

If you would like to sing along this season to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" here is a list of all twelve days:

1. The partridge in a pear tree
2. The two turtledoves 
3. Three French hens
4. The four calling birds
5. The five gold rings
6. The six geese a-laying
7. The seven swans a-swimming.
8. The eight maids a-milking
9. Nine ladies
10. The ten lords a-leaping
11. Eleven pipers piping
12. Twelve drummers drumming


Enjoy you holidays season!