History of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

No one really knows the true origin of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Legend speaks of meanings given to the gifts in the song that persecuted Christians potentially used to teach the foundations of the faith to their children in secret. Here are those meanings:

My True Love
God, the giver of all gifts (James 1:17)

First Day of Christmas
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Jesus who willingly gave his life on a tree (John 3:16)
Second Day of Christmas
Two Turtle Doves
Two doves offered at the Temple for Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:22,24)
Third Day of Christmas
Three French Hens
Three costly gifts from the wise men (Matthew 2:10-11)
Fourth Day of Christmas
Four Calling Birds
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John spreading Gospel (John 20:31)
Fifth Day of Christmas
Five Golden Rings
The Law given in the first 5 books of the Bible (Psalm 19:9-10)
Sixth Day of Christmas
Six Geese A-Laying
New life in the 6 days of Creation (Genesis 1:31)
Seventh Day of Christmas
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8)
Eighth Day of Christmas
Eight Maids A-Milking
Eight beatitudes for growing your faith (Matthew 5:3-10)
Ninth Day of Christmas
Nine Ladies Dancing
Nine qualities from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Tenth Day of Christmas
Ten Lords A-Leaping
Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
Eleventh Day of Christmas
Eleven Pipers Piping
Eleven faithful disciples drawing others to Jesus (Mark 3:16-19)
Twelfth Day of Christmas
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Twelve Christian beliefs outlined in the Apostles’ Creed


Sources:
Haidle, Helen. The 12 Days of Christmas, The Story Behind A Favorite Christmas Song. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkids, 2003. Print.