ShraMan/Nimik AT#8 - Karde Mushkil Jeena, Ishq Kamina

Sanika

@Legilimens

Rocker

28

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#941

Originally posted by: prc_fan1

This is random. But I have a genuine question.

Can someone explain to me why Indians say 'many happy returns of the day' instead of just saying Happy Birthday

down vote

Wikipedia explains the phrase as follows:

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. Current usage is often as a more formal option than 'Happy Birthday'. It is also often to be found on greetings cards.
An alternative explanation is that "returns" here is used in the sense of "yield" or "profit" that it is still found in "investment returns". Therefore "many happy returns of the day" would be a wishing a person a rewarding day, full of happiness.

Another meaning could be that we are wishing that their birthday will return many more times - in other words, "May you live long".

2

Reply

Quote

rekha

@rekha.366

Stunner

36

+ 2

Posted: 9 years ago

#942

Originally posted by: prc_fan1

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is random. But I have a genuine question.</font>

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Can someone explain to me why Indians say 'many happy returns of the day' instead of just saying Happy Birthday</font>

Sam I think they indirectly saying live more years and celebrate more birthdays. It's like blessing

1

Reply

Quote

Samridhi

@BinKuchKahe.

Sparkler

33

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#943

Originally posted by: rekha.366
WORD Sam. No less no more. But I still feel sumo didn't get the gravity of his hurt

She still hasn't & she never will, because she doesn't know the extent of his feelings for her. But yeah I hope she does come around to at least understand that he was really really hurt & needed her that day. I hope that conversation that was overdue that day, is actually revisited when they become friends. Shravan really needs someone to listen to him.

3

Reply

Quote

Samridhi

@BinKuchKahe.

Sparkler

33

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#944

Thank you all for the explanation. I finally get it😊

Reply