who wrote the song 12 days of christmas

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a popular English Christmas carol. It is believed to have been written in the 18th century, although the exact author is unknown. Some historians have suggested that it was a coded message for persecuted Catholics in England during that time period, while others argue that it may have originated in France or Scotland. Whatever its origin, the carol has become a beloved Christmas classic and is still sung today.