where does the 12 days of christmas come from

The "12 Days of Christmas" is a classic holiday song that originated in England in the 18th century. It's believed to have been created by British nobles who used it as a memory game, but it has since become a beloved part of Christmas culture. The song counts down 12 days of gifts given to the recipient by their true love. While the specific origins of the song are unclear, it has become a staple of the holiday season and is often performed by choirs and carolers.