The Twelve Days of Christmas
Debbie Reynolds/Donald O'Connor Lyrics

The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most recognizable and beloved Christmas songs of all time. The song is based on the traditional English Christmas celebration that lasts for twelve days, starting on Christmas Day and ending on Twelfth Night. Each day of the celebration was marked by a specific gift, which is referenced in the song. The song begins with a partridge in a pear tree, and goes on to list a series of increasingly elaborate and unusual gifts, culminating in twelve drummers drumming.

The lyrics of the song are rich with symbolism and meaning. Each gift represents a different aspect of the Christmas story or tradition. For example, the partridge in a pear tree is symbolic of Jesus Christ, who is often depicted surrounded by branches of the fruit-bearing tree. The two turtle doves are a reference to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The three French hens symbolize the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

As the song progresses, the gifts become increasingly extravagant, reaching a climax with the five gold rings on the fifth day of Christmas. The six geese a-laying are a reference to the six days of creation in the book of Genesis, while the seven swans a-swimming symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The final three days of the song are devoted to the more secular aspects of the Christmas tradition, with the eight maids a-milking representing the eight beatitudes, the nine ladies dancing representing the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the ten lords a-leaping representing the Ten Commandments.

The Twelve Days of Christmas has been recorded by dozens of artists over the years, and is a perennial favorite of both children and adults. The song has inspired countless parodies and variations, and has been featured in numerous movies and television shows. It remains a beloved symbol of the Christmas season and a testament to the enduring power of tradition and ritual.