Like many, your holiday season might include a viewing (or several) of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This hilarious movie, starring Chevy Chase and the unforgettable Cousin Eddie, brings festive cheer and plenty of laughs. Among the film’s many memorable moments, the fantasy swimming pool scene set to the tune of “Mele Kalikimaka” stands out, instantly associating this unique song with Christmas merriment. But what exactly is a “Mele Kalikimaka”, and why has this Hawaiian Christmas Song become such a beloved part of the holiday soundtrack?
The Origins of “Mele Kalikimaka”: A Gift from Hawaii
“Mele Kalikimaka” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a genuine Hawaiian Christmas greeting, and the title of a song written in 1949 by Robert Anderson, a Hawaiian songwriter. For years, many assumed “Mele Kalikimaka” was a direct Hawaiian translation of “Merry Christmas.” Interestingly, modern Hawaiian speakers often playfully dispute this literal translation, sometimes suggesting the phrase is more akin to charming holiday “gibberish.” Regardless of its precise linguistic interpretation, the sentiment behind “Mele Kalikimaka” is undeniably warm and festive, embodying the spirit of a Hawaiian Christmas.
The song’s journey to becoming a Christmas standard took an exciting turn when Anderson’s golfing partner, none other than Bing Crosby, encountered it. Impressed by the song’s unique charm, Crosby decided to record “Mele Kalikimaka” with the Andrews Sisters in 1950. This collaboration on Decca Records catapulted the song into the spotlight. Five years later, its popularity cemented its place in holiday music history when Crosby included it on his iconic Merry Christmas album. Since then, the Anderson family has enjoyed royalties, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal over the last seven decades.
“Mele Kalikimaka” and Christmas Vacation: A Pop Culture Staple
While numerous artists have recorded “Mele Kalikimaka,” none have quite captured its essence in popular culture like Bing Crosby. However, the song experienced a significant resurgence and cemented its place in the hearts of a new generation thanks to the 1989 movie Christmas Vacation. The film’s memorable scene, featuring Clark Griswold’s daydream in a fantasy swimming pool, perfectly synchronized with Crosby’s rendition of “Mele Kalikimaka,” creating an iconic cinematic moment. This scene inextricably linked the Hawaiian Christmas song with the movie’s lighthearted, comedic take on the holiday season, further amplifying its popularity.
The Enduring Legacy of a Hawaiian Christmas Classic
“Mele Kalikimaka” has undoubtedly outlived many of its contemporaries. While the Andrews Sisters and even Bing Crosby himself are now figures of music history, their recording of this Hawaiian Christmas song continues to resonate. Similarly, while some of the stars of Christmas Vacation have stepped away from the limelight, the movie and its soundtrack remain holiday staples. Chevy Chase continues to entertain, and though others like Randy Quaid and Nicollette Scorsese have taken different paths, their association with Christmas Vacation and “Mele Kalikimaka” endures.
“Mele Kalikimaka” stands as a testament to the unexpected ways songs can become cultural touchstones. From its Hawaiian origins to its rise to fame through Bing Crosby and its iconic movie moment in Christmas Vacation, this “gibberish” Christmas greeting has become a cherished and recognizable part of the holiday season for English-speaking audiences worldwide, bringing a touch of Hawaiian sunshine to winter celebrations.
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