FW: Question on 12 days of Christmas

[Bill Hodghead]

This question appeared An-Tir mailing list,
and since I don't know the answer, I figured I crosspost it.
-Liam

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From: widdershins at widdershins.seanet.com (John & Susan Hutchins)

I need some info on the original origins and meaning of the 12 days of
Christmas (you know that song that drives mothers nuts when their kids sing
it)  I believe it was written in Tudor England.  Any help would be
appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Branwen