12 Things You Didn't Know About the Twelve Days of Christmas

The nonsensical rhyme that has become a holiday tradition for many carolers and enthusiastic revelers also holds a few secrets. The Twelve Days of Christmas has significant religious connotations in each verse, and was used as a Biblical lesson in Catholic churches. Today, the song has become just another Christmas carol that accompanies many hymns and festivals. Still, there are many interesting facts about the origin of the song that few people know about; here are just twelve things you didn't know about the Twelve Days of Christmas:

1. The Twelve Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day and end on morning of the Epiphany-January 6. Many people mistakenly believe that the twelve days precede Christmas Day instead as a countdown.

2. Some people believe the song was written in England as a catechism verse. The song had to be memorized by all faithful Catholics since writing was prohibited. This is why the verses were designed for easy memory and repetition.

3. The fourth day's gift was originally four 'collie' birds and not four 'calling birds.' Colly birds are blackbirds, a common bird found throughout England.

4. The original song may have been about different types of birds, not actual gifts. Some of the words were lost in translation; for example, the 'five golden rings' on the fifth day refer to ring-necked pheasants, not actual golden rings.

5. Many people believe that each gift links to a biblical symbol; for example, the eight maids-a milking refers to the eight beatitudes. More information about this translation can be found here .

6. Some European countries exchange gifts after the twelfth day of Christmas.

7. English tradition requires that all decorations such as wreaths and mistletoe are removed at the end of the Twelfth Night. After celebrating the twelve drummers drumming, decorations must disappear!

8. Many European countries celebrate the Twelfth Night by making King Cake. This twisted bread cake is especially popular during New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations, and variations include cream cheese fillings and plain sugar toppings.