Christmas Carol Printables: 12 Days Of Christmas Lyrics

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some Christmas carol printables? One of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time is "The 12 Days of Christmas." This traditional song has been a holiday staple for centuries, and its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics make it a favorite among children and adults alike.

For many of us, singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" is a holiday tradition that evokes memories of childhood Christmases past. But have you ever stopped to think about the origins of this beloved carol? Or wondered what the lyrics actually mean? In this article, we'll delve into the history and symbolism behind "The 12 Days of Christmas" and provide you with some fun and festive printable resources to enjoy with your loved ones.

The History of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

The exact origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas" are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 16th or 17th century. The song is thought to have been written as a children's game, with the lyrics serving as a memory aid to help young people recall the Christian faith.

The song's title refers to the 12 days of Christmas, which begin on Christmas Day (December 25) and end on Twelfth Night (January 5). During this time, many Christians celebrate the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

The Symbolism Behind the Lyrics

At first glance, the lyrics of "The 12 Days of Christmas" may seem like a simple list of gifts, but they actually contain a rich symbolism that reflects the Christian faith. Here's a breakdown of the gifts and their symbolic meanings:

A partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens represent faith, hope, and charity.
Four calling birds represent the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
Five golden rings represent the five books of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible).
Six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Eight maids a-milking represent the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping represent the 11 faithful apostles (excluding Judas).
Twelve drummers drumming represent the 12 points of the Apostles' Creed.

Printable Resources for "The 12 Days of Christmas"

Now that you know the history and symbolism behind "The 12 Days of Christmas," it's time to have some fun with our printable resources! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Lyrics Printable: Print out the lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas" and create a fun holiday activity for kids. You can use this printable to create a scavenger hunt, a word search, or a lyric-matching game.
Gift Tags: Use our printable gift tags to create a fun and festive way to label your holiday gifts. Simply print out the tags, cut them out, and attach them to your gifts.
Coloring Pages: Our printable coloring pages feature illustrations of the 12 gifts mentioned in the song. Print them out and let your kids get creative with their favorite holiday colors.
Word Search: Create a fun and challenging word search using the lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas." This is a great activity for kids and adults alike.

How to Use Our Printable Resources

Using our printable resources is easy! Simply follow these steps:

Click on the link to the printable resource you want to use.
Print out the resource on your home printer or at a local print shop.
Cut out the resource along the dotted lines (if applicable).
Use the resource as desired (e.g., create a word search, play a lyric-matching game, etc.).

Conclusion

"The 12 Days of Christmas" is a beloved holiday carol that has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for centuries. With its catchy melody and rich symbolism, it's no wonder that this song remains a favorite among children and adults alike. We hope you've enjoyed learning more about the history and symbolism behind this iconic carol, and that you'll have fun using our printable resources to make your holiday season even more special.

Don't forget to share your holiday traditions and favorite Christmas carols with us in the comments below! And if you're feeling generous, share this article with your friends and family to help spread some holiday cheer.