During this time of year we all hear the tune to Jingle Bells at some point or another. The catchy song is a festive favourite of many but, little you may know, it was never actually meant to be a Christmas song. A video emerged on TikTok, by Daily Dose of Music, which explained it isn't linked to Father Christmas in the slightest.
In the video, the presenter said: "Did you know Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song? Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving dashing through the snow. "This timeless tune was penned by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, titled 'One Horse Open Sleigh'. But why the switch to Christmas? Over the years, the melody evolved into a Christmas classic. Isn't it fascinating how traditions shift?".
Basically, the tune was meant to be a Thanksgiving song until it grew in popularity at Christmas time. It was later renamed "Jingle Bells" as a result. What's more is, on December 16, 1965, it actually became the first song to ever be played in outerspace. At the time, the crew of Gemini 6 played the song with bells and a harmonica they managed to sneak onboard the spacecraft.
So, while we all sing along to the tune at this time of year, it's actually much more important than you realise. It's a little song that comes with a lot of history. Nonetheless, people are often surprised when they hear its story. In fact, people have been talking about it on Reddit, as many couldn't believe it evolved to fit in with Yuletide traditions.
