What is the history behind the nursery rhyme?

Answer 1

The roots of the story, or poem, of Jack and Jill are in France. The Jack and Jill referred to are said to be King Louis XVI -- Jack -- who was beheaded (lost his crown), and followed by his Queen Marie Antoinette -- Jill -- (who came tumbling after). The words and lyrics to the Jack and Jill poem were made more acceptable as a story for children by providing a happy ending! The actual beheadings occurred during the Reign of Terror in 1793. The first publication date for the lyrics of the Jack and Jill rhyme is 1795, which ties in with the history and origins. The Jack and Jill poem is also known as Jack and Gill -- the misspelling of Gill is not uncommon in nursery rhymes as they are usually passed from generation to generation by word of mouth.

On the gruesome subject of beheading: it was the custom that following execution the severed head was held up by the hair by the executioner. This was not, as many people think, to show the crowd the head, but in fact to show the head the crowd and it's own body! Consciousness remains for at least eight seconds after beheading until lack of oxygen causes unconsciousness and eventually death. The guillotine is associated with the French but the English were the first to use this device as described in our section containing Mary Mary Quite Contrary Rhyme.

Answer 2

Many nursery rhymes have unclear origins, but they are often passed down through generations either orally or in written form. Nursery rhymes were commonly used as a way to educate children, convey morals, or even criticize political figures in a subtle manner. Some nursery rhymes can be traced back hundreds of years and have evolved over time through various retellings and interpretations.

Answer 3

The Secret History of the Nursery Rhyme!

Many of the origins of the humble nursery rhyme are believed to be associated with, or reflect, actual events in history! The secret meanings of the Nursery Rhyme have been lost in the passing of time. A nursery rhyme was often used to parody the royal and political events and people of the day. The humble Rhyme was used as a seemingly innocent vehicle to quickly spread subversive messages!

The Rhyme allowed an element of free speech!

A rhyme associates words with similar sounds using a rhyming couplet or short verse. A rhyme is often short and easy to remember and this was a critical element when many people were unable to read or write and a rhyme was verbally passed from generation to generation - it was also a vital element when commoners wanted to comment on the events of the day! It must be remembered that direct criticism or dissent would often have been punishable by death!

The Rhyme that led to Revolution!

The wording of an individual rhyme can often be associated with historical events and the plausible explanations given to many a rhyme can be seen as political satire. The first really important English rhyme dates back to the fourteenth century! This little rhyme was passed quickly from one person to another, was easily remembered and led to an English revolution - a call for recognition and class equality!

Answer 4

No one knows when, but i think it was a long time ago. :)