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THE HISTORY OF HAPPY BIRTHDAY

In the secular world, Happy Birthday is the best known song in the English speaking world. The song's base lyrics have been translated into at least 18 languages.

It was written in 1893 by 2 sisters: Mildred J. Hill came up with the tune, and her sister Patty added some words. They were nursery & kindergarten teachers in Kentucky, USA. It was published in the songbook Song Stories for the Kindergarten.

Originally the words were, "Good morning to you, good morning to you, good morning dear children, good morning to you." The children enjoyed singing the song so much that they began spontaneously singing it at birthday parties, changing the lyrics to "Happy Birthday."

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