Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world. This very important festival in Christianity is celebrated to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. During this time markets are lit up with lights, houses are decorated and gifts are exchanged. But more than all these, the real identity of Christmas is created due to a special tradition. It is the world famous song ‘Jingle Bells’. Today, when you think of Christmas, ‘Jingle Bells’ automatically comes to mind. But surprisingly, this song was not originally written for Christmas. There is an interesting and unique story behind this song.
Who is the author of the song?
The song ‘Jingle Bells’ was written and composed by American composer James Lord Pierpont. Interestingly, James is a famous businessman and financier J. P. Morgan had an uncle. Although the Pierpont family is well-known in the banking industry, James made his mark through music.
Not for Christmas, but for a different reason
Although we have associated this song with Christmas since childhood, it was actually performed for a church service on the occasion of Thanksgiving. This becomes even more evident if we consider that there is no mention of ‘Christmas’ or any religious festival anywhere in the lyrics of this song. According to researchers, over the years after its publication in 1857, the song gradually became an integral part of Christmas celebrations.
First song played in space
A unique record has also been registered in the name of ‘Jingle Bells’. This song became the first song in the world to be played from space. Astronauts of the ‘Gemini 6’ mission, while communicating with the control room, suddenly played the tune of ‘Jingle Bells’ with the help of harmonica and small bells. Today, the bells and harmonica are preserved in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Interesting story behind the name
The name ‘Jingle Bells’ as it is known everywhere today was not from the beginning. When this song was first published in 1857, it was called “One Horse’s Open Slay”. Two years later i.e. in 1859 the song was released again and at that time it was given the name ‘Jingle Bells’. Although the song has become the spirit of Christmas today, the history behind it is even more interesting when you learn its origin story.