Is It “Four Calling Birds” or “Four Colly Birds”? The “Twelve Days Of Christmas” Learning Takes Place Amongst Redditors

During the Christmas period, people come together for a night of fun and celebration. The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is always among the songs being sung or played.

Each person would select one of the twelve days and then sing the line related to that day. One aspect of the song - whether the birds described on the fourth day of Christmas are "calling birds" or "colly birds" - has always been the subject of acrimonious debate.

Yes, the rendition of the song consistently brought out chuckles from the children and adults. But since nobody knew the word colly and calling made intuitive sense (calling birds must be birds that "call out" in song, or songbirds), the majority of people were convinced that the correct name was "calling birds."

The song's lyrics are actually "four colly birds." And yes, it follows that the appropriate term must be "colly birds"!

Debating this will all be for nothing. Basic research reveals that both expressions are accurate based on current usage, despite the fact that "colly birds" predates "calling birds" by more than a century.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was first printed in the book Mirth Without Mischief around 1780, probably after years of oral tradition.

More info: Reddit, blogs.loc.gov

The TodayILearned Title

Reddit

Are the birds described on the fourth day of Christmas “calling birds” or “colly birds”?

blogs.loc.gov

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Traditional Song, an arrangement by Frederic Austin published in 1909, gave rise to the song's familiar tune and popularized the poem's current wording. The sentence in question is changed to "four calling birds" in Austin's text.

The expression "four calling birds" was first used by Austin (or he was among the first to use it) and it took some time for it to spread. Redditors had a fun time in the comments as they aired their views about the debate.

Here are a bunch of their comments below.

What is haunting us to this day

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Language and Cultural Significance

Dr. Jennifer Liu, a linguist specializing in cultural language, highlights how the debate over 'four calling birds' versus 'four colly birds' reflects deeper cultural narratives.

Language is not just a means of communication; it shapes our understanding of culture and traditions.

Research indicates that variations in language can reveal a lot about societal values and historical contexts, illustrating the dynamic nature of cultural expression.

Cultural Interpretations of Lyrics

The debate over the lyrics of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' reflects broader themes in cultural interpretation and collective memory.

Research in cultural psychology shows that interpretations of cultural artifacts can vary widely based on personal experiences and social contexts.

Understanding these variations can enrich discussions about traditions and their meanings across different communities.

The song has a lot of birds

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Golden ring necked pheasants

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Nobody ever believes this redditor

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From a cognitive psychology standpoint, the way people engage in discussions about language showcases their cognitive biases and reasoning styles.

Studies in cognitive psychology show that individuals often rely on heuristics, or mental shortcuts, which can lead to misinterpretations in language.

This highlights the importance of critical thinking when discussing linguistic differences, as biases can shape perceptions.

This situation reveals how group dynamics can influence individual perceptions and opinions.

Studies in social psychology emphasize that individuals are often swayed by group consensus, which can lead to conformity, even when personal beliefs suggest otherwise.

Recognizing this tendency can empower individuals to articulate their perspectives more confidently, fostering healthy discussions.

A crazy stalker releasing birds

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The illustration showed birds with megaphones

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Where this Redditor got as far as

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The Role of Community in Language Use

Social psychologists emphasize that language is a communal experience, where meanings are co-created within cultural contexts.

Engaging in discussions about language can strengthen community bonds, as individuals share their interpretations and experiences.

Research shows that fostering collective discussions enhances social cohesion and a sense of belonging.

The Psychology of Language and Communication

Language plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of cultural narratives, as demonstrated by linguistic research.

Effective communication can bridge gaps in understanding and foster connections between diverse groups.

Encouraging open discussions about differing interpretations can nurture empathy and broaden perspectives.

Sing A Song Sixpence

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This Redditor is singing their own versions

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This Redditor wasn't even paying attention to it anymore

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Experts in linguistics note that language debates often highlight generational differences, where younger generations may interpret phrases differently from older ones.

This phenomenon illustrates the evolving nature of language, which adapts to societal changes and technological advancements.

Understanding these shifts can help bridge generational gaps and promote better communication across age groups.

This conversation also highlights the importance of critical thinking in evaluating cultural references.

Research suggests that engaging in critical analysis can enhance our understanding of cultural contexts, leading to more meaningful conversations.

By questioning widely-held beliefs, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of culture.

They are a protected species

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This Redditor hopes the lady likes birds

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He could have just have them all at once

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Encouraging Open Dialogue

To foster a more inclusive dialogue around language and culture, individuals are encouraged to practice active listening and engage in respectful discussions.

Creating environments where diverse opinions can be expressed openly can lead to richer conversations and deeper understanding.

Additionally, employing strategies such as summarizing others' points before sharing one's own can enhance comprehension and reduce conflict.

Fostering Healthy Discussions on Culture

To encourage productive conversations about cultural interpretations, individuals can practice active listening and empathy.

Research shows that these skills can create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and explored.

Engaging in respectful dialogue fosters a sense of community and promotes understanding across differences.

It continues around the room

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A flock of birds with little picks

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All the birds in the song

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Behavioral specialists suggest that exploring the origins of phrases can enhance appreciation for language diversity.

By delving into the historical contexts of language, individuals can develop a greater respect for linguistic variations and the cultural significance behind them.

This exploration can enrich conversations and foster a sense of connection to the broader cultural narrative.

This is not what you are singing

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You see the thing about corvids

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Gotta keep the items in order

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Huru grubs?

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Well, this was an interesting piece of information. It was first published in print without accompanying sheet music, as is the case with many songs, and may have been meant to be spoken rather than sung.

Were you aware of this information before now? What are your thoughts about this finding? Leave your thoughts below and share this post as well.

Expert Opinion

This discussion highlights the significance of individual perspectives in shaping cultural narratives. Recognizing the influence of group dynamics can empower individuals to engage more meaningfully in conversations about culture.

Encouraging open dialogue can enhance understanding and create a more inclusive environment.

Dr Emily Carter

Psychologist

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

The exploration of cultural interpretations reveals the richness of human experience and the importance of dialogue in understanding diversity.

Research indicates that promoting open discussions can lead to greater empathy and appreciation for differing viewpoints.

Ultimately, fostering a culture of respectful dialogue enhances community connections.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Psychologists agree that language reflects cultural values and shared experiences.

According to the American Psychological Association, engaging in discussions about language can promote understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Ultimately, it's about recognizing the richness of language as a tool for connection and expression.