Jingle Bells Song: ‘Jingle Bells’ was not written for Christmas, know how it became the identity of Christmas

Jingle Bells Song:As soon as the name of Christmas comes, the first thing that comes to mind is Santa Claus, snow covered roads, sparkling Christmas tree and the song ‘Jingle Bells’ playing in the background. On 25th December, this song is heard everywhere in shopping malls, school functions, office parties and homes.

But very few people know that ‘Jingle Bells’ was not actually written for Christmas. The surprising thing is that there is neither mention of Christmas nor the name of Santa Claus anywhere in this famous song. Despite this, this song has become synonymous with Christmas today.

When and why was ‘Jingle Bells’ written?

The song ‘Jingle Bells’ was written by American composer James Lord Pierpont in the year 1850. This song was first published in 1857. The special thing is that this song was sung on the occasion of Thanksgiving and not for Christmas.

The original name of this song was ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’. The song depicts the fun experience of riding in a horse sleigh on snow covered roads. There is no mention of Christmas or Santa Claus anywhere in the entire song.

How did ‘Jingle Bells’ become associated with Christmas?

By the end of the 19th century this song had become quite popular in America. Since the song mentioned snow, cold and sleigh rides, people started associating it with the winter season. Gradually this song became a part of Christmas celebrations.

Since 1890, ‘Jingle Bells’ started being sung at Christmas programs and over time it became a symbol of Christmas. Later the name of the song was changed to Jingle Bells, because this name was more attractive and easy to remember.

What does Jingle Bells mean?

‘Jingle’ means tinkling of bells, while ‘Bells’ means bells. In ancient times, there were bells attached to horse sleds, which used to make sounds while moving. This sound was called ‘Jingle-Jingle’. Later this song was added to the sleigh and bells of Santa Claus, due to which it became completely associated with Christmas.

The world’s most popular Christmas song

Today ‘Jingle Bells’ has become the most sung and heard Christmas song in the world. Its jazz, rock, pop and even cartoon versions have been made. Not only this, this song was also played in space in 1965, when astronauts broadcast it from space.

Even though ‘Jingle Bells’ was not written for Christmas, today Christmas seems incomplete without it. This song has now become a symbol of happiness, fun and the excitement of the festival.

Read the lyrics of ‘Jingle Bells’ song here

"dashing through the snow
In a one horse-drawn sleigh,
O the Fields We Go
laughing all the way
Bell’s Own Bob Tales Ring
Making Spirits Bright
What Fun It Is to Laugh and Sing
A Slaying Song Tonight

Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle All the Way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a One Horse Open Sleigh
Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle All the Way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a One Horse Open Sleigh

A Day and Two Ago
I Thought I’d Take a Ride
And Soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The Horse Was Lean and Lank
Misfortune Seemed His Return
We got into a drifted bank
And Then We Got Upsout

Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle All the Way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a One Horse Open Sleigh
Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle All the Way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse-drawn sleigh."