Many
nursery rhymes began as political commentary when direct
criticism of politicians or the Crown was dangerous. The song
“Whittington For Ever” was a campaign slogan touting the popular
Dick Whittington, who served three terms as Lord Mayor of London
starting in 1397! You can imagine how old the other rhymes are.
Your local library may have more sources regarding the origins
of children’s nursery
rhymes
or you can go to our
Links page.
The nursery songs used popular children’s poetry of the
Victorian period. Some of the poems, like “Three Children
Sliding” and “The Man in the Moon” were popular nonsense verses.
Other poems, like ¨The Spider and the Fly¨ sought to teach
morals using fables or frightening allegories. Teaching children
morals and gentle behavior was important to parents then, just
as it is to today’s parents. Since children love to sing, the
nursery song was the perfect vehicle.
To
purchase the recording Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Songs,
click here.
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