Tell HN: Happy 2015

In the interest of keeping things at a level of "anything that gratifies one's intellectual curiosity", can somebody explain to me the meaning of "Happy X"?

Being on the autistic spectrum, I never understood it. Is it kind of like a programmed social contract, like sharing in the humor of looking at a lolcat? Is that why such sentiments get upvoted like lolcats?

Re: Tell HN: Happy 2015

#6

Post by pearjuice » Wed, Dec 31, 2014, 4:52 PM UTC

I still fail to comprehend why people celebrate that the Eath has made X rotations and then at a new cyclus (say a year) they all of a sudden whish the best to other people, make plans for the new cyclus and even stay awake deep into the night to celebrate it.

Re: Tell HN: Happy 2015

#7

Post by ironchef » Wed, Dec 31, 2014, 4:57 PM UTC

weaknesses wrote: post #5

In the interest of keeping things at a level of "anything that gratifies one's intellectual curiosity", can somebody explain to me the meaning of "Happy X"? Being on the autistic spectrum, I never understood it. Is it kind of like a programmed social contract, like sharing in the humor of looking at a lolcat? Is that why such sentiments get upvoted like lolcats?

"Is it kind of like a programmed social contract": Yes and no. It is an example of "well wishing". Other examples would be saying "have a good day", "have safe travels (bon voyage)", etc. Behind that comes the question of sincerity / authenticity. Chances are when a greeter / sales clerk at a big box stores says "Have a good day", etc. there is little sincerity behind it. Between that and repetition of similar well wishes, there does exist a social expectation (if someone says to you "happy new year", there is an expectation of a similar well wish).

Re: Tell HN: Happy 2015

#8

Post by mariogintili » Wed, Dec 31, 2014, 5:03 PM UTC

happy new year