'Jingle Bells' has winding history as holiday tune

"Jingle Bells" is a familiar and happy song we hear this time of year. If you think about it there is nothing in the song with any mention of Christmas. Actually, it was written for Thanksgiving. There is more than one story about the origin of the song.

The author is James Lord Pierpont, who lived from 1822 to 1893. One story purports that the native of Medford, Massachusetts, wanted to write something in 1850 to commemorate the annual Thanksgiving sleigh races. The third verse of "Jingle Bells" hints at a race. A plaque in Medford acknowledges the song was written there. The story is questioned by some.

Another tale is that Pierpont moved to Savannah, Georgia, and the song was published there in 1857; so both Massachusetts and Georgia lay claim to its origin. Savannah also has a plaque.

"Jingle Bells" or "The One-Horse Open Sleigh" was first recorded on an Edison wax cylinder in 1889. That recording no longer exists. Another recording made in 1898, "Sleigh Ride Medley," can be found and heard online. Between 1890 and 1954 "Jingle Bells" was one of the top 25 most recorded songs in history.

"Jingle Bells" was broadcast from space by astronauts Wally Schirra on the bells and Tom Stafford on the harmonica on Dec. 16, 1965, during the flight of Gemini 6.

And don't forget, the first day of winter is Dec. 21. This day has the shortest daylight hours, then daylight hours begin to lengthen. It is always easier to do outside and barn work in daylight. My spirits seem lifted in the light, and I know others feel the same.

Father Time, an old man with a scythe and hourglass, symbolizes the passing of the old year and the Baby New Year symbolizes the birth of the New Year. Out with the old, in with the new.

Iris Eppley is a member of the Farm Bureau Council.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: 'Jingle Bells' has winding history as holiday tune