A Little Rant & Rave about "Ring Around the Rosy"

A little rant and rave and small solution! LOL

Ok so this is supposed to be my stories and such but I have to give background for this one in order to show why I wrote this song. In high school I studied the origins of many nursery rhymes and fairy tales. It quite an amazing the history and don't recommend studing to hard or all your innocent nursery rhymes will no longer be so innocent.

One particular one always stuck out to me. "Ring Around the Rosy" this is the one most kids know and sing. You know how it goes, holding hands in a circle and going around while singing it and when it comes to an end falling to the ground. Kids love it!!! I had studied this and have also heard it preached on. Br. Pixler talked about what silent messages are being sent to our kids, this was just a small example in that message. That message made such an impact that years later many people remember from a campmeeting. Here is the origin of the song according to Rhymes.org.uk

Origins of "Ring around the rosy" in English History
Connections to the Bubonic Plague (Black Death)? The words to the Ring around the rosy children's ring game have their origin in English history. The historical period dates back to the Great Plague of London in 1665 (bubonic plague) or even before when the first outbreak of the Plague hit England in the 1300's. The symptoms of the plague included a rosy red rash in the shape of a ring on the skin (Ring around the rosy). Pockets and pouches were filled with sweet smelling herbs ( or posies) which were carried due to the belief that the disease was transmitted by bad smells. The term "Ashes Ashes" refers to the cremation of the dead bodies! The death rate was over 60% and the plague was only halted by the Great Fire of London in 1666 which killed the rats which carried the disease which was transmitting via water sources. The English version of "Ring around the rosy" replaces Ashes with (A-tishoo, A-tishoo) as violent sneezing was another symptom of the disease.

According to Snopes.com This false. But if you read on you will find that a lot of the traditions of the times were superstitions.

For years this has bothered me, I have prayered and ask song writers to write an alternative. To make a long story short at College of Apostolic Ministries of Phoenix the subject came up. I had already decided that a good alternative would be a bible story and Jerico would be the best. It can also be sung and acted out the same was as the orginal. So here is what Cara, Denae and I came up with it goes to the tune of "Ring Around the Rosy"

Marching Around Jerico
Marching Around Jerico
They Blew the Horn
Obeyed the Lord
The Walls Came Tumbling Down

So spread the word and teach the kids the new song!!!!

Ok off of my soapbox for now!!!

Jacqueline