when was the 12 days of christmas written

The 12 Days of Christmas is a popular Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. The exact origins of the song are unknown, but it is believed to have originated from a game of chance called "the memory game." Players would take turns reciting the song's lyrics in order, and whoever forgot the words was out of the game. Over time, the song evolved into its current form and became a beloved holiday classic. Today, it is sung and played around the world during the holiday season.