#JingleBells #ThanksgivingSong #SleighRacing
🔔🎶 TIL Jingle Bells was originally written to be a Thanksgiving song and the lyrics don’t make any reference to Christmas, instead focusing on sleigh racing. 🦃
When you think of Jingle Bells, you probably associate it with Christmas, but did you know that this classic holiday tune was actually written to be a Thanksgiving song? It’s true! And the lyrics don’t make any reference to Christmas at all, instead focusing on the thrill of sleigh racing. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind Jingle Bells and the surprising origins of this beloved holiday song.
The History of Jingle Bells: From Thanksgiving to Christmas
The origins of Jingle Bells can be traced back to the mid-19th century. Here’s a brief overview of the song’s history and how it evolved from a Thanksgiving tune to a Christmas classic:
1. The Original Intent: Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierpont and was originally intended to be a Thanksgiving song. The lyrics describe the joy of riding in a one-horse open sleigh and the thrill of dashing through the snow.
2. Popularization as a Christmas Song: Over time, Jingle Bells became associated with Christmas and winter festivities. Its catchy melody and fun lyrics made it a favorite holiday tune, and it quickly gained popularity as a Christmas song.
3. Lack of Christmas References: One interesting fact about Jingle Bells is that the lyrics don’t mention anything about Christmas. Instead, the song’s focus is on the excitement of sleigh racing and the sense of freedom that comes with gliding through the snow.
4. Enduring Popularity: Despite its original intent as a Thanksgiving song, Jingle Bells has become a timeless Christmas classic that is loved by people of all ages. Its lively melody and playful lyrics continue to bring joy and merriment during the holiday season.
The Lyrics of Jingle Bells: A Closer Look
Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of Jingle Bells and how they capture the exhilarating experience of sleigh racing:
– Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
– O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way
– Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright
– What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight
As you can see, the lyrics of Jingle Bells vividly depict the exhilaration of riding in a sleigh and the joy of being surrounded by the winter landscape. The imagery of dashing through the snow and the sound of bells ringing create a sense of festive delight that has made this song a holiday favorite.
The Legacy of Jingle Bells: A Timeless Holiday Tune
Despite its original intention as a Thanksgiving song, Jingle Bells has cemented its place as a beloved Christmas classic. Its infectious melody and playful lyrics evoke the spirit of holiday cheer and wintertime merriment. Whether it’s being sung by carolers, played on the radio, or performed at festive gatherings, Jingle Bells continues to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season.
In conclusion, the history of Jingle Bells is a fascinating tale of how a Thanksgiving song evolved into a timeless Christmas classic. Its enduring popularity and playful lyrics have made it a beloved holiday tune that brings people together in celebration. So the next time you hear Jingle Bells, remember its origins as a Thanksgiving song and savor the joy of the holiday season. 🎄
Is there snow in November?
«In a one-horse open sleigh»
I have alawys wondered why Santa is riding whit a single horse.
And the melody of the refrain was a lot different… https://youtu.be/YR6YAgVIljg
Climate change changes more than climate.
Somehow our house ended up with a musical ornament that depicts Noah’s Arc but plays ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ when you wind it up. It also stops just before the tune finishes which only adds to the bizarre nature of the whole thing.
Here’s me thinking it was about Batman and how much the dude smells!!
It has nothing to do with racing. It is riding.
I prefer to think of it as a Slaying Song about murder
Not all Christmas songs mention Christmas
Same with over the river and through the woods. Minus the racing.
Frosty the snowman isn’t a Christmas song and no mention of Christmas was added until 19 years later for the special.
Why is there snow then?
Same with “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays”.
So, wait complaining already when they start playing it on Thanksgiving. OK?
Did you also learn that the Christmas song Silver Bells is about the Salvation Army bell ringers?
Enough snow on Thanksgiving to go sledding? And here it is mid-December in SE Michigan and it’s 60 degrees out. We haven’t had more than a very light dusting of snow this fall.
Wow! They had snow back in the day around Thanksgiving?
In the UK, if you get married in a civil ceremony the music is not allowed to be overtly religious. So if you have a Christmas-themed wedding you’re stuck with Jingle Bells and The Holly and the Ivy.
Same with Over the River and Through the Woods
And today, hardly anywhere in the US has snow on thanksgiving.
It’s a winter song for people to sing together. People sing together around Christmas. It becomes a Christmas time song.
Read “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.” It is about the prophecy for a Prince.of Peace, when it happens. Not that it.was Jesus or.Christmas.
..*doesn’t make any reference to Christmas*
Doesnt make any reference to thanksgiving either?
I remember snow at Thanksgiving.