answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the history behind the hot cross buns nursery rhyme?

The nursery rhyme "Hot Cross Buns" likely originated from street vendors in England selling spiced buns with a cross on top during the Easter season. The rhyme helped promote the buns and became a popular children's song over time.


What nursery rhyme did Thomas Edison listen to on the phonograph?

a nursery rhyme


What is nursery rhyme Two legs in front and two behind?

It's from something called "Composition on a Pig."


What is the history of nursery rhyme Lucy locket lost her pocket?

"Lucy Locket Lost Her Pocket" is a popular English nursery rhyme that dates back to the 18th century. The rhyme is about a girl named Lucy Locket who loses her pocket containing money and keys. There are variations of the rhyme with different endings, but they all revolve around Lucy's misfortune.


What nursery rhyme has initials MPHAD?

The nursery rhyme with the initials MPHAD is "Mary Had a Little Lamb."


When was One for Sorrow - nursery rhyme - created?

One for Sorrow - nursery rhyme - was created in 1780.


What nursery rhyme has the initials IRIP?

The nursery rhyme with the initials IRIP is "It's Raining, It's Pouring."


What nursery rhyme has initials bswts?

The nursery rhyme with the initials "BSWTS" is "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep."


What nursery rhyme?

Anniversaryanniversarycursoryursery


What will birds of a feather do in a nursery rhyme?

In the nursery rhyme "Birds of a Feather," the birds will flock together.


Who baked a pie for the king in the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence?

The queen baked a pie for the king in the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence." The maid in the nursery rhyme serves the pie to the king.


What is the significance of the nursery rhyme in 1984?

The nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons" is significant in George Orwell's novel "1984" as it serves as a symbol of the Party's control over language and history. By manipulating and simplifying the nursery rhyme, the Party demonstrates its power to distort truth and reshape reality for its own purposes. It highlights the theme of propaganda and the manipulation of information in the dystopian society of Oceania.