People were shocked that the lyrics to 12 Days of Christmas might not mean what they think they mean

It’s not as simple as “a partridge in a pear tree”.
Netizens are freaking out after realizing that the lyrics “five golden rings” in the popular — and slightly annoying — Christmas carol ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ may not literally mean what it says.
According to Canadian scientist Dr. Anna Hughes, who has a Ph.D. In astrophysics, the term “5 golden rings” actually refers to the common ringneck pheasant, making the first seven gifts of the song revolve around birds.
“To learn that ‘five Gooolden Riings’ does not refer to literally five golden rings, but to five ringed pheasants, aka more birds.” tweeted Hughes.
The Post has reached out to Hughes for comment on their source, although numerous sources suggest their interpretation may very well be the case.
The exact origin of the iconic carol itself is also unknown; However, it reportedly first appeared in the 1780 children’s book Mirth Without Mischief. Some sources claim that the song begins on December 25th and leads up to Epiphany on January 5th.
Some Twitter users were shocked by Hughes’ theory.
“I read that out loud to my partner and he said ‘No!’ screamed. like I just told him Christmas was canceled forever.” said a commenter.



“I’m beginning to think this ‘True Love’ is just a cat taking her prey to her owner’s porch.” another joked.
“Stop giving me birds,” joked one person who seemed too overwhelmed by the song’s feathered rush, which features seven swimming swans, six lying geese, four calling birds, three French chickens, two lovebirds and a lone partridge covered in a pear tree.
https://nypost.com/2022/12/20/people-shocked-that-12-days-of-christmas-lyric-may-not-mean-what-they-think/ People were shocked that the lyrics to 12 Days of Christmas might not mean what they think they mean