How to Say “Happy New Year” in Old English

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Gesǣlīġ nīw geār
No New Year greeting is recorded in Old English texts. The phrase usually built from Old English words is Gesǣlīġ nīw geār, literally a blessed new year.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)

Did you know?

  • Anglo-Saxon writers such as Bede usually counted the new year from Christmas Day, 25 December, rather than from 1 January.
  • In Old English, the word gesǣlīġ meant 'prosperous' or 'blessed' rather than just a feeling of happiness.

Example conversation

Two siblings greet each other at the start of the year.

  1. Æthelstan

    Gesǣlīġ nīw geār, Æthelflæd!
    Happy New Year, Æthelflæd!
  2. Æthelflæd

    And gesǣlīġ nīw geār tō þē, Æthelstan!
    And a happy new year to you, Æthelstan!
  3. Æthelstan

    Sīe hit gōd geār.
    May it be a good year.
  4. Æthelflæd

    Ġē, swā hit mōte.
    Yes, so may it be.
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Leigh Randy
Leigh RandyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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