I don't understand why, in general, "happy Christmas" is said in England while "merry Christmas" is said in America. Is there any particular reason for this?
2007-12-22 15:38:24 · 15 answers · asked by Sofia 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
"Merry", derived from the Old English myrige, originally meant merely "pleasant" rather than joyous or jolly (as in the phrase "merry month of May").
Though Christmas has been celebrated since the 4th century AD, the first known usage of any Christmastime greeting, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" (thus incorporating two greetings) was in an informal letter written by an English admiral in 1699. The same phrase appeared in the first Christmas card, produced in England in 1843, and in the popular secular carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
The then relatively new term "Merry Christmas" figured prominently in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in 1843. The cynical Ebenezer Scrooge rudely deflects the friendly greeting and broods on the foolishness of those who utter it. "If I could work my will", says Scrooge, "every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding." After the Spirits of Christmas effect his transformation, he is able to heartily exchange the wish with all he meets. The continued popularity of A Christmas Carol and the Victorian era Christmas traditions it typifies have led some to credit Dickens with popularizing, or even originating, the phrase "Merry Christmas"[3].
The alternative "Happy Christmas" gained wide usage in the late 19th century, and is still common in the United Kingdom and Ireland. One reason may be the alternative meaning, still current there, of "merry" as "tipsy" or "drunk". Queen Elizabeth II is said to prefer "Happy Christmas" for this reason[4]. In American poet Clement Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823), the final line, originally written as "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night", has been changed in many editions to "Merry Christmas to all", perhaps indicating the relative popularity of the phrases in the United States.
2007-12-22 15:50:47 · answer #1 · answered by crave knowledge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the Fraze was created back in Old English time. In America we just cant' let go. Merry meaning Happy. Like Robin Hood and his "Merry" Men.
2007-12-22 15:43:41 · answer #2 · answered by StarKid 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, living in Canada, between the two of "YOU"! Who the Frig cares!!! Merry, Happy! Is it not the SAME? What is your point? Happy Christmas To You And Merry Christmas to them! God bless to both!
2007-12-22 15:52:36 · answer #3 · answered by DORY 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What can I tell you except " Merry Christmas" sounds much better in song than does " Happy Christmas". Also, we like to be different than the "Brits".
2007-12-22 15:43:18 · answer #4 · answered by googie 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it may have to do with colloquilisms. In medieval England the Christmas carol, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" was not telling "merry gentlemen" to "rest".
It was something that was said to the weary traveler as he sat down at a pub.
"God Rest Ye Merry!..................... gentlemen"
As in: 'have a seat my weary friend'
2007-12-22 15:45:45 · answer #5 · answered by clayinspiration 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Merry" can mean "drunken".
The Royal Family took to saying "Happy Christmas" to avoid giving the appearance of endorsing alcohol, and it caught on.
2007-12-22 17:46:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No particular reason, no. We just say some things differently.
2007-12-22 15:42:00 · answer #7 · answered by aviophage 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
hmmm that's a good question.
well "happy christmas" doesn't really roll off the tongue as well as "merry christmas" does. but other than that, who knows?
2007-12-22 15:42:00 · answer #8 · answered by Eamonn S 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because in England they are backwards idiots.
2007-12-22 15:47:53 · answer #9 · answered by smokinuracing 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
merry means high spirited ----> happy/drunk
so they mean the same thing if you dont count the drunk part.. :P
2007-12-22 15:49:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋