Nursery Rhymes

The Hidden Meaning Behind Nursery Rhymes

Terrifying, Thoughtful, and Absurd Rhymes for ChildrenIn more repressed times, people were not always allowed to express themselves freely, for fear of persecution. Gossiping, criticizing the government or even talking about current events was often punishable by death. In order to communicate at will, clever rhymes were constructed and passed around to parody public figures and events.

The first nursery rhymes can be traced back to the fourteenth century.

Under the guise of childrens entertainment, many rhymes that were encoded with secret messages throughout history have endured the test of time and are still with us today.

Why were rhymes with historical meaning created? To remember history . . .

Not everyone could read and write.

This was their way to remember history,

Or to teach their children.

The best way to remember is a rhyme.

Terrifying, Thoughtful, and Absurd Rhymes for ChildrenOther nursery rhymes dont seem to carry a particular message at all, but convey a gruesome sense of humor.

They have been so ingrained in us since childhood that we hardly notice that babies are falling from trees, women are held captive, or live animals are being cooked.

It is only when you stop and absorb the actual words of these catchy, sing-song rhymes that the darkness and absurdity is realized.

A handful do not reference historical events at all, but instead seem to convey warnings or common sense wisdom.

Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty was a powerful cannon used in during the English Civil War.

It was mounted on top of the St Marys at the Wall Church in Colchester defending the city, but the wall crumbled under fire and the greatly feared weapon broke.

The kings men (people loyal to the crown) lost the battle due to the loss of the cannon.

Did You Know?Mary, Mary, quite contrary,How does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockle shellsAnd pretty maids all in a row.

This is a protestant condemnation Bloody Mary (Queen Mary I).

Protestants could not speak openly against the Queen without retribution so they spoke in more or less a code of wit.

Mary, Mary . . .Mary, Mary, quite contrary, Mary is a disagreeable Catholic tyrant.

How does your garden grow? The garden referred to is filled with the graves of protestant martyrs/opponents of the Queen and the growing number of such victims under her oppressive rule.

With silver bells and cockle shells Instruments of torture such as thumbscrews

And pretty maids all in a row. Instruments like the guillotine known as maids to behead enemies

Ring around the RosieRing around the rosyA pocketful of posies"Ashes, Ashes"We all fall down!

Ring around the RosieLinked to the Bubonic Plague

A ring of rose colored rings appeared on the skin.

People kept posies with them because they thought the plague was spread by bad smells.

Ashes, Ashes, We all fall down is from burning the bodies after the people died.

Georgie PorgieGeorgie Porgie pudding and pie,Kissed the girls and made them cry.When the boys came out to play,Georgie Porgie ran away.It refers to the courier George Villiers, the first Duke of Buckingham. (1600s)

Villiers had good looks that appealed to the ladies.

Villier was good friends with the king.

This offered him some protection, but he had to look out for jealous husbands who would come after him and make him run away.

Not all nursery rhymes have historical meanings.

Some are used to teach.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe!

One two buckle my shoeThree, four, knock at the doorFive, six, pick up sticksSeven, eight, lay them straightNine, ten, a big fat henEleven, twelve, dig and delveThirteen, fourteen, maids a-courtingFifteen, sixteen, maids in the kitchenSeventeen, eighteen, maids in waitingNineteen, twenty, my plate's empty One, Two, Buckle My Shoe!

Used to help children count

Made it fun to learn

Easy to rememberSome nursery rhymes are just funBut most are to help teach,

remember history,

or even to make fun of royalty.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Nursery Rhymes

Your turn!Create a nursery rhyme to teach about one of the Crusades. Type itInclude clip art (find this LAST!)Share with meInclude at least 4 historically accurate eventsMust be clear enough to understandMust have rhythm, rhyme, and child appealing characters Show effort and pride

20181510The rhyme must allude to the events of the Crusades.4 items are listed and are historically correct. They are also clear enough to interpret.4 items are listed and are historically correct. They may be unclear and require explanation to interpret.4 items are listed (with some historical confusion) OR they are very unclear and dont make sense.Less than 4 items are listed, they are inaccurate OR are unclear.The work needs to have rhythm, rhyme and child-appealing characters.They rhythm, rhyme and characters work well to help make it memorable and fun.They rhythm, rhyme and characters are all present. 1 of the 3 is missing or doesnt work well in the writing.2 of the 3 is missing or doesnt work well in the writing.The presentation of the work needs to show effort and pride.A serious attitude was taken towards this assignment and students worked diligently to complete the assignment.A willing attitude was taken towards this assignment and students worked consistently to complete the assignment.Students showed lack of engagement in the process and displayed poor focus and attention.Students showed lack of engagement in the process and were uncooperative and distracting.