Now this is a serious thread about the very special possibilities of the humble nursery rhyme. Gill and Clodhopper brutally hijacked the thread on Requiem of the Banned when they encouraged me by just being there apparently minding their own businesses and being totally on track, to venture (well totter) into this high literary pursuit.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And can't tell where to find them
Leave them alone and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
OK, little beau peep was a peeping Tom obviously and possibly a bishop as well.
He liked to creep around the countryside dressed in a pink frock like in the pictures, waving his crook and had probably lost his marbles rather than his sheep or parishioners. Maybe he thought he could see shepherdesses hiding in the corn or something. The local townspeople were a laissez faire lot who were possibly too caring and PC to intervene. They reckoned his crimes would come home to him.. what goes around comes around. At which a miracle occurred. The sheep were turned into dogs (I mean who' s seen a sheep wagging its tail, suggestively or not, possibly except maybe on the Scottish moors or New Zealand but that's another nursery rhyme). The dogs probably ate the peeping Tom. And everyone else lived happily ever after.
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
AussiePam;1281467 wrote: Now this is a serious thread about the very special possibilities of the humble nursery rhyme. Gill and Clodhopper brutally hijacked the thread on Requiem of the Banned when they encouraged me by just being there apparently minding their own businesses and being totally on track, to venture (well totter) into this high literary pursuit.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And can't tell where to find them
Leave them alone and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
OK, little beau peep was a peeping Tom obviously and possibly a bishop as well.
He liked to creep around the countryside dressed in a pink frock like in the pictures, waving his crook and had probably lost his marbles rather than his sheep or parishioners. Maybe he thought he could see shepherdesses hiding in the corn or something. The local townspeople were a laissez faire lot who were possibly too caring and PC to intervene. They reckoned his crimes would come home to him.. what goes around comes around. At which a miracle occurred. The sheep were turned into dogs (I mean who' s seen a sheep wagging its tail, suggestively or not, possibly except maybe on the Scottish moors or New Zealand but that's another nursery rhyme). The dogs probably ate the peeping Tom. And everyone else lived happily ever after.
Little Bo Peep is a she.
Otherwise yes, you're right on target.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And can't tell where to find them
Leave them alone and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
OK, little beau peep was a peeping Tom obviously and possibly a bishop as well.
He liked to creep around the countryside dressed in a pink frock like in the pictures, waving his crook and had probably lost his marbles rather than his sheep or parishioners. Maybe he thought he could see shepherdesses hiding in the corn or something. The local townspeople were a laissez faire lot who were possibly too caring and PC to intervene. They reckoned his crimes would come home to him.. what goes around comes around. At which a miracle occurred. The sheep were turned into dogs (I mean who' s seen a sheep wagging its tail, suggestively or not, possibly except maybe on the Scottish moors or New Zealand but that's another nursery rhyme). The dogs probably ate the peeping Tom. And everyone else lived happily ever after.
Little Bo Peep is a she.
Otherwise yes, you're right on target.
I AM AWESOME MAN
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Nomie, there are such things as women priests etc. and it has been known for some women to 'peep' at people. Also the word 'Tom' is in fact (certainly in the UK) another name for a professional lady of the street ! :yh_rotfl
Oh and Pam, have you not noticed that lambs 'wiggle their tails' particularly when they are having their lunch ? :wah: Mind you I doubt very much that they would wiggle their tails infront of them :yh_rotfl although, on the other hand ................... you never know what they get up to in Auss !!!!
or, for that matter, in Wales!
Oh and Pam, have you not noticed that lambs 'wiggle their tails' particularly when they are having their lunch ? :wah: Mind you I doubt very much that they would wiggle their tails infront of them :yh_rotfl although, on the other hand ................... you never know what they get up to in Auss !!!!
or, for that matter, in Wales! I'm a Saga-lout, growing old disgracefully
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Betty Boop
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
AussiePam;1281467 wrote: Now this is a serious thread about the very special possibilities of the humble nursery rhyme. Gill and Clodhopper brutally hijacked the thread on Requiem of the Banned when they encouraged me by just being there apparently minding their own businesses and being totally on track, to venture (well totter) into this high literary pursuit.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And can't tell where to find them
Leave them alone and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
OK, little beau peep was a peeping Tom obviously and possibly a bishop as well.
He liked to creep around the countryside dressed in a pink frock like in the pictures, waving his crook and had probably lost his marbles rather than his sheep or parishioners. Maybe he thought he could see shepherdesses hiding in the corn or something. The local townspeople were a laissez faire lot who were possibly too caring and PC to intervene. They reckoned his crimes would come home to him.. what goes around comes around. At which a miracle occurred. The sheep were turned into dogs (I mean who' s seen a sheep wagging its tail, suggestively or not, possibly except maybe on the Scottish moors or New Zealand but that's another nursery rhyme). The dogs probably ate the peeping Tom. And everyone else lived happily ever after.
:wah: Wasn't the moral there to not fall asleep on the job, if you did your wee little sheep would come home with no tails, which they did.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And can't tell where to find them
Leave them alone and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
OK, little beau peep was a peeping Tom obviously and possibly a bishop as well.
He liked to creep around the countryside dressed in a pink frock like in the pictures, waving his crook and had probably lost his marbles rather than his sheep or parishioners. Maybe he thought he could see shepherdesses hiding in the corn or something. The local townspeople were a laissez faire lot who were possibly too caring and PC to intervene. They reckoned his crimes would come home to him.. what goes around comes around. At which a miracle occurred. The sheep were turned into dogs (I mean who' s seen a sheep wagging its tail, suggestively or not, possibly except maybe on the Scottish moors or New Zealand but that's another nursery rhyme). The dogs probably ate the peeping Tom. And everyone else lived happily ever after.
:wah: Wasn't the moral there to not fall asleep on the job, if you did your wee little sheep would come home with no tails, which they did.
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Waging your tail in front of you, Gill, might be considered a bit too raunchy for this family forum - especially if you were a female bishop who'd fallen asleep on the job. Or heaven help us - a lady of the streets. Which brings me to Betty Boop's fascinating insight. And links neatly with today's exposition.
Three blind mice, three blind mice
See how they run, see how they run
They all ran after the farmer's wife
Who cut off their tales with a carving knife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice
There are none so blind as those who will not see: as the old saying goes. These mice are probably small rats leaving the sinking ship of state - abandoning the city for the country. Politicians obviously.
But who is the farmer's wife - and where the heck is the farmer???? This is just another example of men copping out, leaving all the hard work to the women. Here she is, alone in the house working away when what does she see?????? THREEE RAMPANT POLITICIANS....!!!! Flashers!!!! And it's the last straw. The worm turns. The good woman defends her honour and the dastardly politicians won't be wagging their tales any more, behind them or elsewhere.
Three blind mice, three blind mice
See how they run, see how they run
They all ran after the farmer's wife
Who cut off their tales with a carving knife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice
There are none so blind as those who will not see: as the old saying goes. These mice are probably small rats leaving the sinking ship of state - abandoning the city for the country. Politicians obviously.
But who is the farmer's wife - and where the heck is the farmer???? This is just another example of men copping out, leaving all the hard work to the women. Here she is, alone in the house working away when what does she see?????? THREEE RAMPANT POLITICIANS....!!!! Flashers!!!! And it's the last straw. The worm turns. The good woman defends her honour and the dastardly politicians won't be wagging their tales any more, behind them or elsewhere.
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
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Betty Boop
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- Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2005 1:17 pm
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
AussiePam;1281623 wrote: Waging your tail in front of you, Gill, might be considered a bit too raunchy for this family forum - especially if you were a female bishop who'd fallen asleep on the job. Or heaven help us - a lady of the streets. Which brings me to Betty Boop's fascinating insight. And links neatly with today's exposition.
Three blind mice, three blind mice
See how they run, see how they run
They all ran after the farmer's wife
Who cut off their tales with a carving knife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice
There are none so blind as those who will not see: as the old saying goes. These mice are probably small rats leaving the sinking ship of state - abandoning the city for the country. Politicians obviously.
But who is the farmer's wife - and where the heck is the farmer???? This is just another example of men copping out, leaving all the hard work to the women. Here she is, alone in the house working away when what does she see?????? THREEE RAMPANT POLITICIANS....!!!! Flashers!!!! And it's the last straw. The worm turns. The good woman defends her honour and the dastardly politicians won't be wagging their tales any more, behind them or elsewhere.
Maybe we should ask the lady wielding the knife where her husband is
Three blind mice, three blind mice
See how they run, see how they run
They all ran after the farmer's wife
Who cut off their tales with a carving knife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice
There are none so blind as those who will not see: as the old saying goes. These mice are probably small rats leaving the sinking ship of state - abandoning the city for the country. Politicians obviously.
But who is the farmer's wife - and where the heck is the farmer???? This is just another example of men copping out, leaving all the hard work to the women. Here she is, alone in the house working away when what does she see?????? THREEE RAMPANT POLITICIANS....!!!! Flashers!!!! And it's the last straw. The worm turns. The good woman defends her honour and the dastardly politicians won't be wagging their tales any more, behind them or elsewhere.
Maybe we should ask the lady wielding the knife where her husband is
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Betty Boop
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- Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2005 1:17 pm
- Location: The end of the World
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Betty Boop;1281660 wrote: Maybe we should ask the lady wielding the knife where her husband is
After-thought... Maybe he fell asleep on the job! :wah:
After-thought... Maybe he fell asleep on the job! :wah:Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Maybe she caught him in mid frolic with Little Bo Peep, Betty??? There would have been a couple of options here - On the basis of the Baa Baa Blacksheep rhyme* - exposition in the Requiem thread - she might have gone the three bags full road, and a menage a trois could have worked. OR, and this is probably more likely - she found him at it in the corn with the cows (read low village women here - it's a family site so the other is OUT!!) and grabbing her trusty carving knife (it was obviously ready to hand when the "mice" wagged their tails" at her) - she dispatched him speedily and no doubt yodelling happily or blowing her own horn.
I suggest that sniffer dogs should visit the cellar under the old barn or maybe someone should drain the well..... which brings me to the next chapter of this series.
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after
1 - What can you get for a crown these days, especially a broken one??
2 - Jack is Everyman... every man Jack etc
3 - Who the heck is Jill? Is this the farmer's wife?
4 - Water flows downhill.. so wtf with going UP the hill to get some
5 - It's code isn't it. The dealer hangs out up there...
6 - Tumbling... I mean is this a suggestion about their lovemaking.. Jack was a bit previous.. and well, Jill took a bit longer.. What can you get for a crown anyway..
Jack and Jill went up the hill
Which wasn't what she oughta
Jill the dill forgot the pill
And now she's got a doughta
This more urban version of the old ditty demonstrates the character of Man and Woman and shows what messing about in boats or up hills with water, can lead to.
Ladies... be careful out there!!!
--------------------
* I almost never slip up in my explanations of metaphysical dimensionalisms, Betty - but I admit I omitted one of the most important references in Baa Baa Black Sheep - "Wool" of course encapsulates the whole multifaceted universe which is THE BROWN CARDIGAN... See how non PC black has softened into a soft, earthy BROWN here....and wool, like clouds of dreaming.
I suggest that sniffer dogs should visit the cellar under the old barn or maybe someone should drain the well..... which brings me to the next chapter of this series.
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after
1 - What can you get for a crown these days, especially a broken one??
2 - Jack is Everyman... every man Jack etc
3 - Who the heck is Jill? Is this the farmer's wife?
4 - Water flows downhill.. so wtf with going UP the hill to get some
5 - It's code isn't it. The dealer hangs out up there...
6 - Tumbling... I mean is this a suggestion about their lovemaking.. Jack was a bit previous.. and well, Jill took a bit longer.. What can you get for a crown anyway..
Jack and Jill went up the hill
Which wasn't what she oughta
Jill the dill forgot the pill
And now she's got a doughta
This more urban version of the old ditty demonstrates the character of Man and Woman and shows what messing about in boats or up hills with water, can lead to.
Ladies... be careful out there!!!
--------------------
* I almost never slip up in my explanations of metaphysical dimensionalisms, Betty - but I admit I omitted one of the most important references in Baa Baa Black Sheep - "Wool" of course encapsulates the whole multifaceted universe which is THE BROWN CARDIGAN... See how non PC black has softened into a soft, earthy BROWN here....and wool, like clouds of dreaming.
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
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fuzzywuzzy
- Posts: 6596
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:35 pm
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
I thought nursery rhymes were originally Medieval and Tudor satirical humour?
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fuzzywuzzy
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- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:35 pm
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Oooohhhhh now this is interesting (my teachers were right .
London Bells Nursery Rhyme
Alternative lyrics to the Oranges and Lemon rhyme
The Bells of London Nursery Rhyme evolves into Oranges and Lemons!
The Oranges and Lemons Nursery Rhymes refers to many of the Churches and Institutions found near, or within the City of London. The alternative lyrics to Oranges and Lemons rhyme is the London Bells Nursery Rhyme which is the original version of Oranges and Lemons!
The Children's Choice!
Over the course of time the original lyrics have been forgotten - the cut-down version is much easier for children to remember. The section at the end of the Oranges and Lemons rhyme "Here comes the candle..." was added at a much later date, enabling children to play the party game.
Our Heritage is conveyed in Nursery Rhymes!
The words of the London Bells rhyme accurately reflect the history of London and maintains our heritage - the traditions and customs practised in London's bygone days.
The Bells of London are telling us Stories!
The stories relating to the Bells of London reflect the history of the city and the people who lived there. At first glance the 'Bells of London' and the newer version of 'Oranges and Lemons' Nursery Rhymes look to be interesting poems which include the most famous bells and churches of London. But the rhyme is actually very clever for the words the bells are saying, such as " Oranges and Lemons", "Bullseyes and Targets" and "Pokers and Tongs", reveal the many long-gone trades practised and wares sold by the people who lived in the great city of London. They also reveal the history of life in London!
Lord Mayors, Torturers, Executioners and Money Lenders!
Lord Mayors, Torturers, Executioners and Money Lenders are all referred to in the words of the bells! The secret history and origins of the Bells of London Nursery Rhyme are revealed - once again a seemingly innocent Nursery Rhyme for children hides sinister undertones!
Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town
"Oranges and Lemons" say the Bells of St. Clements
"Bullseyes and Targets" say the Bells of St. Margaret's
"Brickbats and Tiles" say the Bells of St. Giles
"Halfpence and Farthings" say the Bells of St. Martin's
"Pancakes and Fritters" say the Bells of St. Peter's
"Two Sticks and an Apple" say the Bells of Whitechapel
"Maids in white aprons" say the Bells at St. Katherine's
"Pokers and Tongs" say the Bells of St. John's
"Kettles and Pans" say the Bells of St. Anne's
"Old Father Baldpate" say the slow Bells of Aldgate
"You owe me Ten Shillings" say the Bells of St. Helen's
"When will you Pay me?" say the Bells of Old Bailey
"When I grow Rich" say the Bells of Shoreditch
"Pray when will that be?" say the Bells of Stepney
"I do not know" say the Great Bell of Bow
Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town
Origins and History of the London Bells Nursery Rhyme!
Each of the fifteen 'Bells of London' referred to in the rhyme have been fully researched and can be accessed via the links in the text of the Nursery Rhyme.
Church Location Life in London
St. Clements Clements Lane and King William Street, Eastcheap Citrus Fruit unloaded at the nearby wharves
St. Margarets Lothbury (a street name) Archery practise
St. Giles Cripplegate, Barbican Builders
St. Martin's Martin Lane, Eastcheap Money lending
St Katherine Cree Leadenhall Street Leadenhall Market
St. Peter's Cornhill Bakers & Fast Food !
St. John's Tower of London Torturers
St. Ann's & St Agnes Gresham Street Coppersmiths
St. Helen's Bishopsgate Lord Mayor, Money Lender
The above Churches are featured in the London Bells Nursery Rhyme
if anyone is interested.................. Nursery Rhymes lyrics, origins and history
London Bells Nursery Rhyme
Alternative lyrics to the Oranges and Lemon rhyme
The Bells of London Nursery Rhyme evolves into Oranges and Lemons!
The Oranges and Lemons Nursery Rhymes refers to many of the Churches and Institutions found near, or within the City of London. The alternative lyrics to Oranges and Lemons rhyme is the London Bells Nursery Rhyme which is the original version of Oranges and Lemons!
The Children's Choice!
Over the course of time the original lyrics have been forgotten - the cut-down version is much easier for children to remember. The section at the end of the Oranges and Lemons rhyme "Here comes the candle..." was added at a much later date, enabling children to play the party game.
Our Heritage is conveyed in Nursery Rhymes!
The words of the London Bells rhyme accurately reflect the history of London and maintains our heritage - the traditions and customs practised in London's bygone days.
The Bells of London are telling us Stories!
The stories relating to the Bells of London reflect the history of the city and the people who lived there. At first glance the 'Bells of London' and the newer version of 'Oranges and Lemons' Nursery Rhymes look to be interesting poems which include the most famous bells and churches of London. But the rhyme is actually very clever for the words the bells are saying, such as " Oranges and Lemons", "Bullseyes and Targets" and "Pokers and Tongs", reveal the many long-gone trades practised and wares sold by the people who lived in the great city of London. They also reveal the history of life in London!
Lord Mayors, Torturers, Executioners and Money Lenders!
Lord Mayors, Torturers, Executioners and Money Lenders are all referred to in the words of the bells! The secret history and origins of the Bells of London Nursery Rhyme are revealed - once again a seemingly innocent Nursery Rhyme for children hides sinister undertones!
Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town
"Oranges and Lemons" say the Bells of St. Clements
"Bullseyes and Targets" say the Bells of St. Margaret's
"Brickbats and Tiles" say the Bells of St. Giles
"Halfpence and Farthings" say the Bells of St. Martin's
"Pancakes and Fritters" say the Bells of St. Peter's
"Two Sticks and an Apple" say the Bells of Whitechapel
"Maids in white aprons" say the Bells at St. Katherine's
"Pokers and Tongs" say the Bells of St. John's
"Kettles and Pans" say the Bells of St. Anne's
"Old Father Baldpate" say the slow Bells of Aldgate
"You owe me Ten Shillings" say the Bells of St. Helen's
"When will you Pay me?" say the Bells of Old Bailey
"When I grow Rich" say the Bells of Shoreditch
"Pray when will that be?" say the Bells of Stepney
"I do not know" say the Great Bell of Bow
Gay go up and gay go down
To Ring the Bells of London Town
Origins and History of the London Bells Nursery Rhyme!
Each of the fifteen 'Bells of London' referred to in the rhyme have been fully researched and can be accessed via the links in the text of the Nursery Rhyme.
Church Location Life in London
St. Clements Clements Lane and King William Street, Eastcheap Citrus Fruit unloaded at the nearby wharves
St. Margarets Lothbury (a street name) Archery practise
St. Giles Cripplegate, Barbican Builders
St. Martin's Martin Lane, Eastcheap Money lending
St Katherine Cree Leadenhall Street Leadenhall Market
St. Peter's Cornhill Bakers & Fast Food !
St. John's Tower of London Torturers
St. Ann's & St Agnes Gresham Street Coppersmiths
St. Helen's Bishopsgate Lord Mayor, Money Lender
The above Churches are featured in the London Bells Nursery Rhyme
if anyone is interested.................. Nursery Rhymes lyrics, origins and history
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fuzzywuzzy
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- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:35 pm
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
The History and Origins of Baa Baa Black Sheep Nursery Rhyme
The wool industry was critical to the country's economy from the Middle Ages until the nineteenth century so it is therefore not surprising that it is celebrated in the Baa Baa Black Sheep Nursery Rhyme. An historical connection for this rhyme has been suggested - a political satire said to refer to the Plantagenet King Edward I (the Master) and the the export tax imposed in Britain in 1275 in which the English Customs Statute authorised the king to collect a tax on all exports of wool in every port in the country.
But our further research indicates another possible connection of this Nursery rhyme to English history relating to King Edward II (1307-1327). The best wool in Europe was produced in England but the cloth workers from Flanders, Bruges and Lille were better skilled in the complex finishing trades such as dying and fulling (cleansing, shrinking, and thickening the cloth). King Edward II encouraged Flemmish weavers and cloth dyers to improve the quality of the final English products.
facinating !!! I love social history
The wool industry was critical to the country's economy from the Middle Ages until the nineteenth century so it is therefore not surprising that it is celebrated in the Baa Baa Black Sheep Nursery Rhyme. An historical connection for this rhyme has been suggested - a political satire said to refer to the Plantagenet King Edward I (the Master) and the the export tax imposed in Britain in 1275 in which the English Customs Statute authorised the king to collect a tax on all exports of wool in every port in the country.
But our further research indicates another possible connection of this Nursery rhyme to English history relating to King Edward II (1307-1327). The best wool in Europe was produced in England but the cloth workers from Flanders, Bruges and Lille were better skilled in the complex finishing trades such as dying and fulling (cleansing, shrinking, and thickening the cloth). King Edward II encouraged Flemmish weavers and cloth dyers to improve the quality of the final English products.
facinating !!! I love social history
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along-for-the-ride
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
MARY, MARY, QUITE CONTRARY
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.
-- Anonymous
The old nursery rhyme is supposed to be about Mary Stuart, the 'silver bells' alluding to those used in the Mass, the 'cockle shells' to the badge of St James of Compostela, worn by pilgrims, and the 'pretty maids' to the famous four Marys who attended the Queen of Scots.
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.
-- Anonymous
The old nursery rhyme is supposed to be about Mary Stuart, the 'silver bells' alluding to those used in the Mass, the 'cockle shells' to the badge of St James of Compostela, worn by pilgrims, and the 'pretty maids' to the famous four Marys who attended the Queen of Scots.
Life is a Highway. Let's share the Commute.
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chonsigirl
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Well, Ring Around the Rosies is about death and the Black Plague. Most of those nursery rhymes have a historical context.
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Grin. OK.. yes, there are of course more traditional readings of the aforementioned nursery rhymes.
History & origins of Nursery Rhymes
History & origins of Nursery Rhymes
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
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fuzzywuzzy
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
chonsigirl;1281758 wrote: Well, Ring Around the Rosies is about death and the Black Plague. Most of those nursery rhymes have a historical context.
The cows in the meadow ......the girls who milked the cows were immuned to the pox
The cows in the meadow ......the girls who milked the cows were immuned to the pox
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Clodhopper
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Ring a ring of Roses
A pocketful of posies
Atishoo! Atishoo!
We all fall down.
The ring of roses referred to the red blotches on the skin that were the obvious early symptoms of the Plague. (I think the rhyme comes from the Great Plague of 1665, not the Black Death 300 years earlier but I could be wrong)
The pocket full of posies referred to the bunches of sweet smelling herbs carried by people in a futile attempt to ward off the Plague: It was believed that the Plague was caused by bad smells.
A further symptom of the Plague as it developed in the victim was sneezing. Once a victim started to sneeze, death was not far behind - we all fall down.
When I was a child, there were still actions that went with the rhyme.
A pocketful of posies
Atishoo! Atishoo!
We all fall down.
The ring of roses referred to the red blotches on the skin that were the obvious early symptoms of the Plague. (I think the rhyme comes from the Great Plague of 1665, not the Black Death 300 years earlier but I could be wrong)
The pocket full of posies referred to the bunches of sweet smelling herbs carried by people in a futile attempt to ward off the Plague: It was believed that the Plague was caused by bad smells.
A further symptom of the Plague as it developed in the victim was sneezing. Once a victim started to sneeze, death was not far behind - we all fall down.
When I was a child, there were still actions that went with the rhyme.
The crowd: "Yes! We are all individuals!"
Lone voice: "I'm not."
Lone voice: "I'm not."
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Yep... Blimey you lot are a serious bunch... grin...
I have never approved of accuracy getting in the way of a good story... but..
Humpty Dumpty was a canon on the wall of Colchester.
I have never approved of accuracy getting in the way of a good story... but..
Humpty Dumpty was a canon on the wall of Colchester.
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
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Clodhopper
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Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Sorry Aussiepam. Didn't make the connection with the Requiem thread.
Partly at least because you pushed another button of mine - that these sorts of things are genuine historical sources. Information handed down through the children from generation to generation. Ring a ring of roses seems to have been genuinely created BY the children, too, unlike most, which are adult creations for children or bits of folklore which have stuck.
I imagine you know there really was a Dick Whittington and he really was Lord Mayor of London? Sadly, the talking cat is probably a later addition.
(Primly) Anyway, having seen what you've done to a poor innocent sheep, I'm not at all sure you should be allowed anywhere near Little Miss Muffet.
Partly at least because you pushed another button of mine - that these sorts of things are genuine historical sources. Information handed down through the children from generation to generation. Ring a ring of roses seems to have been genuinely created BY the children, too, unlike most, which are adult creations for children or bits of folklore which have stuck.
I imagine you know there really was a Dick Whittington and he really was Lord Mayor of London? Sadly, the talking cat is probably a later addition.
(Primly) Anyway, having seen what you've done to a poor innocent sheep, I'm not at all sure you should be allowed anywhere near Little Miss Muffet.
The crowd: "Yes! We are all individuals!"
Lone voice: "I'm not."
Lone voice: "I'm not."
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Oh please, Miss AussiePam, Tell us the story of Miss Muffet sitting on her tuffet. 
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Clodhopper;1282187 wrote: Sorry Aussiepam. Didn't make the connection with the Requiem thread.
Partly at least because you pushed another button of mine - that these sorts of things are genuine historical sources. Information handed down through the children from generation to generation. Ring a ring of roses seems to have been genuinely created BY the children, too, unlike most, which are adult creations for children or bits of folklore which have stuck.
I imagine you know there really was a Dick Whittington and he really was Lord Mayor of London? Sadly, the talking cat is probably a later addition.
(Primly) Anyway, having seen what you've done to a poor innocent sheep, I'm not at all sure you should be allowed anywhere near Little Miss Muffet.
I'm very fond of delving into the roots of folklore, nursery rhymes, old ballads, rituals etc, Clodders. And, as you note, it's historically mega rich. Many kids's songs, skipping rhymes etc have long histories.. adult political diabribes become children's games etc. Fascinating, isn't it? As for Miss Muffet.....
Partly at least because you pushed another button of mine - that these sorts of things are genuine historical sources. Information handed down through the children from generation to generation. Ring a ring of roses seems to have been genuinely created BY the children, too, unlike most, which are adult creations for children or bits of folklore which have stuck.
I imagine you know there really was a Dick Whittington and he really was Lord Mayor of London? Sadly, the talking cat is probably a later addition.
(Primly) Anyway, having seen what you've done to a poor innocent sheep, I'm not at all sure you should be allowed anywhere near Little Miss Muffet.
I'm very fond of delving into the roots of folklore, nursery rhymes, old ballads, rituals etc, Clodders. And, as you note, it's historically mega rich. Many kids's songs, skipping rhymes etc have long histories.. adult political diabribes become children's games etc. Fascinating, isn't it? As for Miss Muffet.....
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
Zapata;1282194 wrote: Oh please, Miss AussiePam, Tell us the story of Miss Muffet sitting on her tuffet.
Zapata - you want the true story? Are you really sure? These things have a way of coming back and biting the curious? Like that spider..... Please be careful what you do with the knowledge I'm about to impart...
It happened long long ago, in a country far far away, on a planet where the native population was not blue and did not ravish unsuspecting plants with their dreamtime ponytails.
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Arachnophobia? Pedophilia? NO !!!!
Miss Muffet was a fifteenth century drag queen, and the use of 'little' shows that the transgender operation s/he was contemplating was underway, but not yet complete. (The blacksmith was in Banbury Cross reshoeing the **** horse).
Tuffet - was the nickname given at that time rather affectionately to the miller's daughter who was more interested in jumping over a candlestick (well I don't have to explain what that means!!!) with Nimble Jack than GeorgyPorgying about with Miss Muffet!!!!!! Blimey.
Anyway, Miss Muffet evidently had a go at chomping on Tuffet's 'curds and whey' [a common expression at the time for - DELETED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT - Ed.]. Tom... yes Peeping Tom, the Vicar aka Little Bo Peep caught them at it. He spied her... spider... and it was hell to pay.
The nursery rhyme is a cautionary tale. It was considered non pc, and even slightly homophobic at the time. Miss Muffet, sadly, impaled herself on a Maypole and died alone and palely loitering. Tuffet married the Earl of Mercia, Lord Godivus and became famous later on for some shameless exhibitionism.. but that's another story.
Zapata - you want the true story? Are you really sure? These things have a way of coming back and biting the curious? Like that spider..... Please be careful what you do with the knowledge I'm about to impart...
It happened long long ago, in a country far far away, on a planet where the native population was not blue and did not ravish unsuspecting plants with their dreamtime ponytails.
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Arachnophobia? Pedophilia? NO !!!!
Miss Muffet was a fifteenth century drag queen, and the use of 'little' shows that the transgender operation s/he was contemplating was underway, but not yet complete. (The blacksmith was in Banbury Cross reshoeing the **** horse).
Tuffet - was the nickname given at that time rather affectionately to the miller's daughter who was more interested in jumping over a candlestick (well I don't have to explain what that means!!!) with Nimble Jack than GeorgyPorgying about with Miss Muffet!!!!!! Blimey.
Anyway, Miss Muffet evidently had a go at chomping on Tuffet's 'curds and whey' [a common expression at the time for - DELETED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT - Ed.]. Tom... yes Peeping Tom, the Vicar aka Little Bo Peep caught them at it. He spied her... spider... and it was hell to pay.
The nursery rhyme is a cautionary tale. It was considered non pc, and even slightly homophobic at the time. Miss Muffet, sadly, impaled herself on a Maypole and died alone and palely loitering. Tuffet married the Earl of Mercia, Lord Godivus and became famous later on for some shameless exhibitionism.. but that's another story.
"Life is too short to ski with ugly men"
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
AussiePam
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Miss Muffet was a fifteenth century drag queen, and the use of 'little' shows that the transgender operation s/he was contemplating was underway, but not yet complete. (The blacksmith was in Banbury Cross reshoeing the **** horse).
That is particularly heinous.
I'm quite upset now.
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Miss Muffet was a fifteenth century drag queen, and the use of 'little' shows that the transgender operation s/he was contemplating was underway, but not yet complete. (The blacksmith was in Banbury Cross reshoeing the **** horse).
That is particularly heinous.
I'm quite upset now.
I AM AWESOME MAN
Nursery Rhymes - What they really could mean?
:yh_rotfl lollollollollol! OMG!:wah: LTIC (laughing 'til I cry)
I had no idea that the story of Miss Muffit (surely an appropriate title) could have such a . . . what?, an . . .what's the word? Words seem to fail me . . .fantabulous history. And that tart of a Tuffit! What a scurrilous creature she was. she certainly deserved to be sat upon!
I had no idea that the story of Miss Muffit (surely an appropriate title) could have such a . . . what?, an . . .what's the word? Words seem to fail me . . .fantabulous history. And that tart of a Tuffit! What a scurrilous creature she was. she certainly deserved to be sat upon!