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Writer's pictureMelanie Cossins

Behind the Nursery Rhyme - what do they mean?

There are hundreds and hundreds of rhymes and songs that we no longer hear in everyday life. Sadly children are missing out on some of our cultural heritage and I think its important we keep these alive. Of course some may not make sense in todays world but how fascinating how language has changed and developed and how meanings have changed. Would you have ever believed the word "sick" to mean "fantastic"? me neither! I love to know the meanings behind some of the rhymes and songs I teach in my classes and I love finding new ones (or old ones that I can re-introduce). Here are a few that we do in class and a few that you may know.

Bell Horses

Bell Horses is a favourite in my classes because the children get to run like the clappers! We all have bells and we stand against one side of the room. We shake our bells to the pulse and sing: Bell Horses, Bell Horses What's the time of day? One o'clock, two o'clock Off and away! then we run to see who is the fastest! According to the Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes this was a common song in the 19th century for starting children's races. Bells use to be hung on the leading pack-horse called the bell-horse and on festive occasions (particularly May Day) the Wagoners horses were also decked with bells. Apparently in New Zealand bell horses meant race horses and silver bells were given as trophies instead of cups. It was first said as a rhyme: Bell Horses, Bell Horses What time of day? One o'clock, two o'clock Time to away So really very similar! This one was used for blowing dandelion clocks around 1940! Maybe you could try it next time you are blowing them! Field Horses, Field Horses What time of day? One o'clock (blow), two o'clock (blow) Three (big blow) and away!

Hot Cross Buns

This is a simple song to sing. We only sing the first part in class and I use the song to teach pulse or the musical rest. I think most people know it was a street cry used around 1733 which was sung on Good Friday particularly by children, when Hot Cross buns were traditionally eaten for breakfast. However, I did not know this song used to accompany the game where hands are piled on top of each other and the bottom one removed - I bet you do this with your little one! Hot Cross buns, Hot Cross buns One a penny, two a penny Hot Cross buns If your daughters do not like them Give them to your sons But if you haven't any of these pretty little elves You cannot do better than eat them yourselves

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

Contrary to belief Baa, Baa, Black sheep is actually about the export tax on wool. The division of the bags is said to refer to the tax which was imposed in 1275. The song is actually sung to the old French tune Ah vous dirai Je. So there is really no need for Baa, Baa, Rainbow sheep! Baa, baa black sheep Have you any wool? Yes, sir, yes, sir, Three bags full; One for the master And one for the Dame, And one for the little boy Who lives down the lane. Originally it was: Bah, Bah, a black sheep, Have you any wool, Yes merry have I, Three bags full, One for my Master, And one for my Dame One for the Little Boy That lives down the lane. Hard to believe this song is 270 years old! This I don't sing in class as its a little tricky for little ones to sing due to the wide vocal range and there are plenty of songs now that just aren't acceptable to use. It is worth checking out the history of rhymes before you use them! Mel x

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