The Twelve Days of Christmas
A beloved cumulative carol filled with gifts, tradition, and holiday cheer
The Story Behind "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
This classic English Christmas carol is a cumulative song that lists a series of increasingly grand gifts given by "my true love" over the twelve days of Christmas. First published in 1780, it has become one of the most recognizable and frequently performed holiday songs worldwide.
England, ~1780
Frederic Austin, 1909
364
- Author: Traditional (unknown) / Frederic Austin (arrangement)
- Genre: Cumulative folk carol
- Days of Christmas: Dec 25 - Jan 5/6
- Popularized by: Numerous artists across decades
History and Origins
The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period in the Christian calendar from Christmas Day (December 25) through Epiphany (January 6). The song likely began as a memory game or forfeit game for children during Twelfth Night celebrations. The earliest known printed version appeared in 1780 in the book Mirth Without Mischief.
English composer Frederic Austin created the now-standard melody in 1909, notably adding the dramatic "five gold rings" phrase that has become iconic.
Full Lyrics
On the First Day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the Second Day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the Third Day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
My true love sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent 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.
Meaning and Symbolism
While often interpreted literally as a list of romantic gifts, many have sought deeper Christian symbolism. Common associations include:
- Partridge in a pear tree: Jesus Christ
- Two turtle doves: Old and New Testaments
- Three French hens: Faith, hope, and charity
- Four calling birds: The four Gospels
- Five gold rings: The first five books of the Old Testament
Fun Facts & Statistics
PNC Christmas Price Index
$218,542.98
True cost of all 364 gifts in recent calculations.
Total Gifts
364
The cumulative total of all gifts given across the twelve days.
Top 5 Most Popular Renditions
1. Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
A timeless classic recording that captures the joyful spirit of the song.
Listen NowListen on iTunes / Apple Music
Twelve Days of Christmas Sheet Music
Traditional arrangement • Click image for full sheet music
Why This Song Endures
The Twelve Days of Christmas remains popular because of its playful structure, memorable melody, and ability to engage groups in sing-alongs. The cumulative format makes it perfect for family gatherings, school performances, and festive parties.
Whether sung seriously or with humorous twists, it celebrates abundance, generosity, and the full twelve days of the Christmas season.