Most of us use this phrase, I was reading an article about it...



1. The happy returns on your birthday refer to solar returns - the moment when the sun returns to the zodiac sign and degree it occupied at your birth. A horoscope is drawn up for the precise moment of your solar return, in order to predict your year ahead - hopefully a happy one!

Jessica Adams, North Sydney



2. It began as an occult wish, recalling our birth and anticipating the next life: that we shall come back as, say Attila the Hun rather than Attila's horse, or Cleopatra rather than one of her eunuchs.

Paul Roberts, Lake Cathie



3. Don't wish people "many happy returns of the day", wish them a happy solar return - the day the sun returns to the position in the sky it was in when you were born.

Derek Parker, Mosman



4. You are wishing them that their birthday will "return" again - many times i.e. that they will have a long life. - Amber Jones, Surry Hills



Interesting! May be some of you can add to it...