What type of figurative language is “Make the Yuletide gay”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The phrase “Make the Yuletide gay” contains allusion and metaphor as its main types of figurative language.
Explanation:
- Allusion:
The phrase “Make the Yuletide gay” is an allusion to Christmas traditions and festivities. The word “Yuletide” refers to the Christmas season, originating from the Old Norse term “Yule,” which signifies the midwinter festival. The reference to the Yuletide, especially in the context of the phrase, alludes to the traditional celebration of Christmas with joy, family gatherings, and merrymaking. This is a common allusion found in holiday songs, poems, and cultural references about Christmas. - Metaphor:
The word “gay” here is a metaphor for happiness, celebration, and merriment. In older usage, “gay” did not carry the modern connotations associated with sexuality but instead referred to a state of being carefree, festive, or joyful. Thus, when the phrase says, “Make the Yuletide gay,” it uses the word “gay” as a metaphor to represent making the Christmas season lively, full of joy, and spirited. The “gay” in this case is not meant to be taken literally but rather figuratively to evoke a sense of enjoyment and celebration associated with the holiday season.
Broader Context:
The phrase “Make the Yuletide gay” comes from the song Deck the Halls, a traditional Christmas carol. In its historical context, the phrase encourages people to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season in a cheerful, merry way. It uses figurative language to suggest that the festive spirit should be spread joyfully, making it a metaphor for the joyful atmosphere during Christmas. The allusion to Yuletide further enhances the holiday connection, urging people to immerse themselves in the Christmas season’s joy.