when was the 12 days of christmas song written

The "12 Days of Christmas" song dates back to the 18th century, originating in England as a Christmas carol. The lyrics were first published in 1780 in a children's book titled "A New Song for Christmas." The song's origins are shrouded in mystery, and its exact author is unknown. It gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century after it was featured in a classic animated TV special and became a popular holiday song for people of all ages.