Six Geese a-Laying
One of the oldest domesticated birds and one of the post popular birds to eat on Christmas day during the 18th century, especially before turkey became so popular.
The goose was a symbol of the solar year and also fertility.
It is interesting to note that the geese given in this song were "laying", which means females laying eggs, and possibly not meant for table meat. Goose eggs are very rich tasting, but are high in cholesterol, but those in 16th century wouldn't have known or cared about that.