The 12 Days of Christmas is a popular Christmas carol that originated in England during the 18th century. It was originally a teaching tool used to help young children learn about the Christian calendar, with each verse representing one of the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany. The carol has since become a beloved Christmas classic and a popular countdown to the end of the holiday season. Each verse represents a different gift or celebration, such as a partridge in a pear tree, calling birds, French hens, and so on.