“Top of the Mornin, to ya!” “Howdy!” “Great Sun Rise!”. Every day, millions of people around the world start their day by saying “Good morning.” Whether you receive a text message, a GIF, a Meme, a phone call, or an e-mail wishing you a great one, the simple greeting has become a staple of our daily routines, but have you ever stopped to wonder where it came from and why we still say it today? I know, I know. You thought it derived from the grieving saying ” Good Mourning;” however, it does not. So where did it come from? How did this term of endearment come about, and why was it created in the first place? 

“Good morning” is among English’s most widely used and cherished greetings. From the early days of human history to the modern era, how we say good morning has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in culture, society, and language. The phrase “good morning” is a standard greeting used in English-speaking cultures to wish someone a pleasant start to the day. The phrase’s origin can be traced back to Old and Middle English. In Old English, people used the word “morgen” to refer to the early part of the day, and “good” was added to express well-wishing. So, “good morgen” essentially meant “good morning.” Over time, the pronunciation and spelling evolved, and “morgen” became “morning.”

The customary greeting “Good morning” is more than just a polite way to start the day; it’s a phrase steeped in history, cultural diversity, and social evolution. The term has its roots in the simple wish for someone to have a pleasant morning, reflecting a universal human sentiment of goodwill. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of “Good morning,” its first recorded usage, how people worldwide say hello in the morning, and how the term has evolved in social media and Gen Z. Now, get that ass up and movin’ cuz we are about to wake and bake! We are about to wash our faces and brush our teeth (because, eww, you must!), and we are about to make our morning coffee, send out these morning texts, and learn why we always wish them a good morning…

Ancient Origins and Early Greetings:

The tradition of exchanging morning greetings dates back to ancient civilizations. In early societies, people believed that the transition from night to day was a sacred moment, and acknowledging it with positive words brought good luck and protection for the rest of the day. Many ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, had special greetings reserved for the break of dawn. In ancient times, the way people said “good morning” varied depending on the culture, region, and time. Here are a few examples from different historical contexts:

1. Ancient Greece: In ancient Greek culture, people might greet each other in the morning with phrases like “ἦμαρ ὄρθριον” (ēmar portion), which means “early morning” or “dawn,” or “χαίρειν” (chairing), which translates to “rejoice” or “be well.”
2.  Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, the standard greeting for the morning was “salve” or “salvē” (singular) and “salvete” (plural), which means “be well” or “good health.” It was a standard greeting used throughout the day but would also apply in the morning.
3.  Ancient Egypt: In ancient Egyptian culture, people might use phrases like “ḥp tawy” (hep tawi) or “tp n wt” (tep en woot), which means “rising of the sun” or “the morning.”
4.  Ancient China: In ancient Chinese culture, people would greet each other with expressions like “早晨好” (zǎo chén hǎo), which translates to “good morning” or “朝阳” (zhāo yáng), meaning “morning sun.”
5.  Ancient India: In ancient Indian culture, the morning greeting often involved the word “नमस्कार” (namaskār), which is a respectful salutation and means “I bow to you” or “I pay my respects.”

It’s important to note that the specific phrases and customs for morning greetings varied significantly across different civilizations and periods. Also, written records from ancient times might provide some insights, but spoken language and greetings might not be as well-documented as other aspects of ancient cultures.

The First Recorded USe of Good Morning

“Good Morning” is deeply rooted in English and has evolved over centuries to become a standard greeting. Its origins can be traced back to when English speakers began to adopt more specific greetings for different times of the day, distinguishing them from the simple “good day.” The phrase “good morning” is first recorded in the late 15th to early 16th century. It emerged as a polite way to wish someone a pleasant start to their day, embodying a sense of hope and goodwill for the morning ahead. The true meaning of “good morning” goes beyond its literal interpretation of wishing someone a “good” morning; it is a courteous acknowledgment of someone’s presence and a wish for their day to begin positively. This greeting encapsulates a social ritual that strengthens bonds and conveys respect among people as they start their daily activities.

The Evolution of Modern Communication:

As technology advanced, communication methods transformed, and how we said “good morning” adapted accordingly. The advent of telephones, telegraphs, and later electronic messaging opened new avenues for exchanging greetings. People could now convey their wishes to friends, family, and colleagues across great distances, instantly bridging gaps between time zones and geographical boundaries.

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, “good morning” has evolved into various meanings and contexts. It remains a common salutation between acquaintances, colleagues, and strangers. However, its significance is not limited to just the morning hours. With the advent of social media and the influence of Gen Z, how we use and perceive the term “Good morning” has continued to evolve. Today, digital communication often replaces traditional face-to-face interactions, and greetings have adapted to this new medium. Emojis, GIFs, and memes are increasingly used to convey morning greetings in a more personalized and creative way.

Gen Z, known for their digital nativism and preference for quick, efficient communication, has also introduced abbreviations and variations of traditional greetings. Phrases like “gm” (short for “Good morning”) have become commonplace in text messages and social media platforms. Moreover, using visually driven content to say “Good morning” reflects a broader trend towards more expressive and varied forms of communication. With the increasing usage of social media and messaging apps, “good morning” has taken on new forms, becoming a popular meme and a way for people to share positivity, inspirational quotes, or humorous content with their online communities. 

Here are some alternative greetings you can use:

1. “Morning!”
2.  “Rise and shine!”
3.  “Top of the morning to you!”
4.  “Hello there!”
5.  “Hey, it’s a new day!”
6.  “Greetings!”
7.  “Hello, early bird!”
8.  “How’s your morning so far?”
9.  “What a beautiful morning!”
10.  “Hello, world!”

These alternatives convey a similar sense of greeting and well-wishing for the morning without using the phrase “Good Morning.” Feel free to choose the one that suits your style and relationship with the person you’re greeting. The history of why we say “good morning” is a testament to how language and cultural practices evolved. From ancient blessings to modern expressions of positivity, “good morning” has traveled through the ages, adapting to societal changes and technological advancements. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the human need for connection, well-wishes, and the shared acknowledgment of a new day. 

Final Thoughts

“Good morning” is a timeless greeting wishing a positive start to the day. Its origins are deeply rooted in human history, and its usage reflects the diversity of world cultures. As we move into the digital age, how we say “Good morning” may continue to evolve, but the sentiment remains the same. Whether through a traditional spoken word, a text message, or a meme, saying “Good morning” is a universal human experience that transcends languages and cultures, reminding us of our shared desire for connection and goodwill.

So, next time you say “good morning,” take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this simple yet powerful greeting. The phrase “good morning” has a rich history and has been a part of our daily lives for centuries. It is a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge the start of a new day and to wish someone well. Whether starting a new day at work or school or running errands, saying “good morning” is a great way to start your day positively. It is now expected to wake up to “good morning” messages from friends or family on digital platforms, reinforcing connections and promoting a sense of camaraderie.