12 Days Of Christmas Lyrics Printable Guide

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 catchy and repetitive song that has been delighting listeners for centuries. In this article, we'll delve into the history of the song, provide a printable guide to the lyrics, and explore the significance of each day's gifts.

The Origins of "The 12 Days of Christmas"

The exact authorship of "The 12 Days of Christmas" is 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 song, with the repetitive structure and cumulative gifts making it easy for young minds to follow. The song's lyrics are also steeped in Christian tradition, with the 12 days of Christmas representing the period between Christmas Day and the Epiphany (January 6th), which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

The Lyrics: A Printable Guide

Here is a printable guide to the lyrics of "The 12 Days of Christmas":

Day 1: A partridge in a pear tree

Day 2: Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 3: Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 4: Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 5: Five gold rings Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 6: Six geese a-laying Five gold rings Four calling birds Three French hens Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree

Day 7: 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

Day 8: 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

Day 9: 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

Day 10: 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

Day 11: 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

Day 12: 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

Unwrapping the Symbolism Behind Each Day's Gifts

Each day's gifts in "The 12 Days of Christmas" hold significant symbolism, particularly in relation to Christianity. Here's a breakdown of each gift:

Partridge in a pear tree: Representing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is often depicted in art as a partridge in a pear tree.
Turtle doves: Symbolizing love and devotion, as doves are known for their monogamous relationships.
French hens: Representing faith, hope, and charity, which are the three virtues of Christianity.
Calling birds: Signifying the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which are the foundational texts of Christianity.
Gold rings: Representing the five Books of the Torah, which are the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Geese a-laying: Symbolizing the six days of creation, as described in the Book of Genesis.
Swans a-swimming: Representing the seven deadly sins, which are often depicted as seven swans in medieval art.
Maids a-milking: Symbolizing the eight Beatitudes, which are the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Ladies dancing: Representing the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are the qualities that believers are expected to cultivate.
Lords a-leaping: Symbolizing the ten Commandments, which are the fundamental principles of Christian ethics.
Pipers piping: Representing the eleven faithful apostles, who remained loyal to Jesus after Judas Iscariot's betrayal.
Drummers drumming: Symbolizing the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed, which is a statement of faith that summarizes the core beliefs of Christianity.

A Fun and Festive Tradition

Singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" is a fun and festive tradition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're singing it around the piano with family and friends or performing it in a holiday concert, the song's catchy melody and repetitive structure make it easy to follow and remember.

In addition to its entertainment value, "The 12 Days of Christmas" also holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. The song's themes of love, faith, and generosity are timeless and universal, making it a holiday classic that continues to delight listeners around the world.

Make It a Part of Your Holiday Tradition

As you celebrate the holiday season with loved ones, consider making "The 12 Days of Christmas" a part of your tradition. You can print out the lyrics and sing them together, create a festive holiday display with the song's iconic imagery, or even make a game out of guessing the next day's gifts.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate, we hope that "The 12 Days of Christmas" brings joy and cheer to your holiday season!