Hidden History of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are often dismissed as silly verses for children, filled with talking animals, tumbling eggs, and dancing dishes. Yet beneath their playful surface lies a hidden history of political, and cultural significance. Many of these rhymes originated in times of turmoil and were used as subtle vehicles for satire, protest, or commentary. Their simplicity masked complex truths—making them both entertaining and subversive.

One of the most famous examples is "Ring Around the Rosie." Commonly recited by children in playgrounds, this rhyme is widely believed to be about the Bubonic Plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. The “rosie” may refer to the rash that signaled infection, while “pocket full of posies” hints at the herbs people carried to ward off disease. “Ashes, ashes” may suggest the cremation of bodies, and “we all fall down” chillingly reminds us of the mass fatalities. Though historians debate the accuracy of this interpretation, the rhyme’s eerie alignment with plague symptoms has cemented its place in folklore.

"Humpty Dumpty," another well-known rhyme, is often imagined as a clumsy egg. However, the original verse never mentioned eggs at all. The character’s egg-shaped identity was popularized by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass book. Historically, “Humpty Dumpty” may have referred to a siege cannon used during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Mounted on a wall, the cannon was said to have fallen and shattered, with “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” unable to repair it. This interpretation transforms the rhyme from a tale of scrambled eggs into a metaphor for military defeat.

Political dissent also found refuge in rhymes. "Baa Baa Black Sheep" is believed to discuss the medieval wool tax imposed by King Edward I. The “master,” “dame,” and “little boy” represent the monarchy, church, and farmer—each receiving a share of the taxed wool. The rhyme subtly exposes the economic burden placed on commoners, wrapped in the innocent guise of a sheep’s generosity.  

Even “Jack and Jill” might carry political undertones. Some scholars suggest it has to do with the beheading of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. Jack’s fall and subsequent injury mirror the king’s execution, while Jill’s tumble represents the queen’s fate. Others interpret it as a commentary on taxation.

These hidden histories imply that nursery rhymes were not merely for amusement—they were tools of struggle and remembrance. In eras when free speech is dangerous, rhymes offer a safe outlet for expression. Their rhythmic repetition ensure they are easily memorized and passed down, preserving coded messages across generations.  When it becomes necessary to speak in secret, nursery rhymes are there to assist in the resistance.  We should take this into consideration, and perhaps, add to the collection as needed.