Each year when I get birthday wishes and someone wishes me "many happy returns" - it confuses me.
I just never quite get the meaning of it.
It's time I find out what it means!
According to Wikipedia:
"The term itself refers to the passing year. Since the 18th century this has been used as a salutation to offer the hope that a happy day being marked would recur many more times. It is now primarily used on birthdays; prior to the mid 19th century it was used more generally, at any celebratory or festive event."
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald posted on 27th August 2005; i.e. Why do you wish a person 'many happy returns of the day' on their birthday? had a few people sending in their different interpretation of it.
I think I agree with Amber Jones - "You are wishing them that their birthday will "return" again - many times i.e. that they will have a long life."
What about you?
Hi there!
- ms s loveridge
- I am one half of a great couple, a big sister to my 3 dearest siblings, a daughter of my loving parents, and a friend of many wonderful people.
On weekdays - I am an IT consultant. But given the chance, I would love to be a blogger who takes amazing photos and eats good food everyday.
I am curiously finding my way around this constantly changing world and learning about things and people (well - mainly myself). I plan to have fun and document my "lessons learnt" here.
Nice meeting you. Cheers!
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