In the traditional song, the third day is devoted to French hens, and I admit I was surprised that the Furkids decided to follow the traditional lyrics for once. Who wrote the words? It isn’t certain, but probably a number of folk contributed to the version we have today.
Though it’s thought to be French in origin, it was first published in England in 1780 as a chant without music. But the innate musicality of the rhythm and rhyme meant it was often sung to an improvised melody.
The tune enjoyed an abundance of variations for more than a century before a universal version was established in 1909. The standard tune now associated with the song is derived from an arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin.
If you missed the first two days, you can catch up here:
First Day of Catmas
Second Day of Catmas
Now it’s onto the Third Day. Just press play, scroll down and sing along!
Hmm, now I wonder what animals will be featured on day 4? 🤔
You can follow Michelle on Blue Sky: @michelleelle.bsky.social
😀
Hmm, for day 4, maybe ravens and “four cawing birds”…groan! 😘
Not quite…!