People have been taken aback after finding out the true meaning behind a line in a classic Christmas carol.
Each December "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is often heard repeatedly around the world. First heard in the 18th century, the lyrics detail the gifts given on each day in the run-up to December 25.
These include turtle doves, pipers piping and, of course, a partridge in a pear tree.
READ MORE: Warning to all dog owners ahead of Christmas dinner being served
But while many of us probably know the words, one specific line in the song is said to have a completely different meaning to what we may have previously thought, the Daily Record reports.
One of the most prominent parts of the song is undoubtedly the '"five golden rings" line, which is often shouted out slower and louder than the other lyrics. But it turns out that the person's true love did not in fact give them five pieces of expensive jewellery, as one woman has pointed out.
Twitter user Anna Hughes shared her revelation on social media, saying: "Learning that "five gooolden riings" is not in fact referring to 5 literal golden rings, but to five ring-necked pheasants, aka more birds". [sic]
The song already features many lyrics about giving fowl as festive gifts, meaning the 'five golden rings' line only adds to what is presumably a very messy Christmas. In the replies, people were shocked to find out that this was what the line meant, and equally as baffled at the inclusion of even more birds.
One person said: "Wait. What. How many damn birds are in this song????" Another added: "I read this out loud to my partner and he shouted “No!” as if i had just told him Christmas was cancelled forever".
And a third questioned: "The one good present is actually birds?"
However, some people were quick to explain that Anna's theory was nothing more than a rumour. One person said: "Doesn't seem likely: the first illustration was of five gold rings, I can't find any reference to pheasants with golden neck rings (they are white feathers irl) and ringnecked pheasants were only introduced to England shortly before that first illustration."
Another theory suggests that the five golden rings are a Biblical reference to the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
New Portugal travel warning as Foreign Office advice changes
A Place in the Sun buyer 'speechless' as Jasmine Harman gives them a warning
DWP full list of money being paid out at Christmas 2022 to help with bills and food
Aldi's new £7 perfume that smells like Aventus Creed's £260 bottle
TUI passengers told mid-air Manchester flight has to land in Tenerife
