What's the Story?

Most of the important tracts from all the major religions were written centuries ago. The majority of them allude to historical circumstances and societal mores that have faded with the years. Consequently, we often have little or no idea what any specific passage refers to. So what does the average person do? They read ancient manuscripts with modern eyes!

This, of course, is bound to create problems of interpretation. If you don't understand the context of a story or legend, you are apt to misinterpret it. This vexing problem is true especially for interpretation of biblical tracts. Often, when metaphors or allegories are utilized, modern [fundamentalist] eyes read things quite literally and, by not understanding the context, such individuals come away with a completely fouled up sense of the message.

If you don't think this is true or possible, compare it to the general understanding of children's nursery rhymes. Though these little poems were written much later than any of the books of the bible, few modern people understand their historical and political overtones.

For example, do you know the person referenced in the rhyme Georgie, Porgie?

The origins of the lyrics to "Georgie Porgie" are English and refer to the courtier George Villiers, 1st duke of Duke of Buckingham (1592–1628). King James I took Villiers as his lover and nicknamed him "Steenie" (a reference to St. Stephen whom in the Bible describes as having the "face of an angel"). Villier's good looks also appealed to the ladies and his highly suspect morals were much in question!

Or how about Pop Goes the Weasel?

These words are derived from Cockney Rhyming slang which originated in London. Cockneys were a close community and had a suspicion of strangers and a dislike of the Police (they still do!) Cockneys developed a language of their own based roughly on a rhyming slang - it was difficult for strangers to understand as invariably the second noun would always be dropped. Apples and Pears ( meaning stairs) would be abbreviated to just 'apples', for instance, "watch your step on the apples". To "Pop" is the slang word for "Pawn". Weasel is derived from "weasel and stoat" meaning coat. It was traditional for even poor people to own a suit, which they wore as their 'Sunday Best'. When times were hard they would pawn their suit, or coat, on a Monday and claim it back before Sunday. Hence the term " Pop goes the Weasel"

Do you know of the religious significance of Goosey Goosey Gander?

Goosey, Goosey Gander is a Rhyme with Historical undertones - an attention grabber for a nursery rhyme which uses alliteration in the lyrics designed to intrigue any child. The 'lady's chamber' was a room that once upon a time a high born lady would have her own chamber, (also referred to as a solar). The origins of the nursery rhyme are believed to date back to the 16th century and refer to necessity for Catholic priests to hide in 'Priest Holes' ( very small secret rooms once found in many great houses in England) to avoid persecution from zealous Protestants who were totally against the old Catholic religion. If caught both the priest and members of any family found harbouring them were executed. The moral in Goosey Goosey Gander's lyrics imply that something unpleasant would surely happen to anyone failing to say their prayers correctly - meaning the Protestant Prayers, said in English as opposed to Catholic prayers which were said in Latin!

Did you know that Old Mother Hubbard refers to a man?

The Old Mother Hubbard referred to in this rhyme's words allude to the famous Cardinal Wolsey. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was the most important statesman and churchman of the Tudor history period in 16th century England. Cardinal Wolsey proved to be a faithful servant but displeased the King, Henry VIII, by failing to facilitate the King's divorce from Queen Katherine of Aragon who had been his queen of many years. The reason for seeking the divorce and hence the creation of the Old Mother Hubbard poem was to enable him to marry Anne Boleyn with whom he was passionately in love. In the Old Mother Hubbard song King Henry was the "doggie" and the "bone" refers to the divorce (and not money as many believe) The cupboard relates to the Catholic Church although the subsequent divorce arranged by Thomas Cramner resulted in the break with Rome and the formation of the English Protestant church and the demise of Old Mother Hubbard - Cardinal Wolsey.

Since most of us don't know the particulars behind these stories, there's no way in the world that we could understand their true meanings. Conversely, this is important to keep in mind when reading ancient religious tracts and works!

Information about the story behind the rhymes: Alchin, L.K. Rhymes.org.uk (Nursery Rhymes lyrics and Origins) Retrieved May 2, 2009 from www.rhymes.org.uk.