who wrote the twelve days of christmas

The popular Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is believed to have been written in the 18th century, though the exact author is unknown. Some believe it was a traditional English folk song, while others suggest it may have been written by a Catholic priest in exile in France. The song likely originated as a memory aid for children to learn the days of Christmas and the various gifts given to Jesus by the Three Wise Men. The lyrics may have been revised over time to include more secular elements, such as the gifts of birds and trees.