Lifestyle Desk – Merry Christmas! December 25th is just around the corner and people start to decorate their homes, prepare delicious platters, attend parties and greet everyone with the phrase “Merry Christmas”. But wait! have you ever wondered why it is called Merry Christmas not Happy Christmas?
If yes, then don’t look further, just read on and find it yourself.
The reason is “Happy” is used for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the new year. And “Merry” for Christmas is because of the traditional saying that has been continued for centuries.
It is also said that “Happy Christmas” became associated with the higher class and “Merry Christmas” had the rowdiness of those from the humble parts of society. The Royal Family adopted “Happy Christmas” and Queen Elizabeth II, used to wish the citizens a “Happy Christmas” in her annual broadcast. Many believed that she associated “merry” with boisterousness.
Besides that, from 1534 from bishop John Fisher to Henry VIII’s Chief Minister Thomas Cromwell, the phrase used was Merry Christmas. Also, the popular English Carol, “We wish you a Merry Christmas” was introduced in the 1500s.
Moreover, historians believed that religious leaders in Great Britain encouraged the Christians to say ‘happy’ instead of “merry”.
However, the famous Charles Dickens novel ‘A Christmas Carol’ in 1843 popularised the term “Merry Christmas”. And over the course of time, “merry” became more popular.
“Merry Christmas” is accepted in the United States of America, But the United Kingdom still prefers “Happy Christmas”.
So, that’s the story behind this, hope you find this useful!
(All Image Credit: Pixabay)
