where did the 12 days of christmas come from

The "12 Days of Christmas" is a popular Christmas carol that originated in England in the 18th century. The lyrics describe a series of gifts given by a true love to his or her beloved over the course of 12 days, beginning on Christmas Day and ending on January 6th, which is the Feast of the Epiphany. The gifts include birds, jewelry, and dancing ladies, among other items. The origins of the carol are not entirely clear, but some scholars believe it was originally a memory game or a religious song. Regardless of its origins, the "12 Days of Christmas"