Many happy returns
Posted by Bob on November 05, 1999
In Reply to: Many happy returns posted by Mike Russo on November 04, 1999
: Has anyone knowledge of the origin of "Many happy returns of
the day"? I think it refers to wishing one many more years (returns
of the earth) of a birthday or an anniversary, i.e. "may you live
many more years".
:
: My friend thinks it relates a more obvious meaning of "may many
more salutations greet you on this day".
:
: Mike Russo
Your birthday returns every year on the calendar. I wish you not just many returns, but many happy returns. A long and jou=yous life. (My birthday's on October 11. Feel free to send me something nice. A shrubbery. Not too fussy.)