It was originally copyrighted with the
name "One Horse Open Sleigh" on September
16, 1857. It was reprinted in 1859 with the
revised title of "Jingle Bells, or the One
Horse Open Sleigh".
Jingle Bells was often used as a drinking
song at parties: people would jingle the ice
in their glasses as they sung. The double-
meaning of the word "upsot" in the song
was thought humorous, and a sleigh ride
gave an unescorted couple a rare chance
to be together, unchaperoned, in distant
woods or fields, with all the opportunities
that afforded.