The Real Meanings Behind Your Favorite Childhood Nursery Rhymes
The cultural significance behind these traditional rhymes
As children, we learn nursery rhymes without giving them a second thought. They are catchy and fun, and we quickly memorize the words and melodies.
However, many of these nursery rhymes have dark origins that are far from child-friendly.
Here are a few nursery rhymes and their hidden meanings.
***Disclaimer: All of the information I have gathered has been solely through research methods and purposes only. Theories vary widely concerning the origins of nursery rhymes, and I encourage your own research, as the theories you have discovered may differ from the ones mentioned below. Sources and more information are listed at the end of the article for your reference.
The meaning behind “Ring around the Rosie”
“Ring around the Rosie,” for example, is believed to refer to the Black Death, which killed millions of people in Europe during the 14th century. The term “Rosie” refers to the rash that the disease would cause, and the phrase “we all fall down” represents death caused by the plague.
