 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 golden 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 gave to me six geese a-laying, five golden 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 gave to me seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden 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 gave to me eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden 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 gave to me nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden 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 gave to me ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swi'mmi'ng, six geese a-laying, five golden rings. Fou'r calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave 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 golden 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 gave 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 golden rings. Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree. A legend has the meaning of the words as such: In France many people had to hide to read the bible, Our Ramey ancestor Jacob Remy was one such person and his family. His father and brother was killed for being a protestant and having a bible and reading it. The legend of the 12 days of Christmas , states that they made secret codes to sing and this song was one of those. Who know's if its true but does make a good story. 
Jesus Christ, the Son of God Two turtle doves
The Old and New Testaments Three french hens
Faith, Hope and Charity,
The Christian Virtues Four calling birds
The four Gospels Five golden rings
The first five books of
the Old Testament The Pentateuch Six geese a-laying
Six days of creation Seven swans a swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit Eight maids a-milking
The eight BeatitudesNine ladies dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit Ten lords a-leaping
The Ten Commandments Eleven pipers pipering
The eleven faithful apostles Twelve drummers drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed |