Ann Marie-

You might try a book written by a couple called Opie.  I'm sorry I don't
know either of their first names, but if you do a search you should find
something.

A few years ago, I considered doing my dissertation on the use of nursery
rhymes as political propaganda in Early Modern England.  I used the Opie's
work as a basis.  The Opie's have done the most research on nursery rhymes.
They travelled all around the UK listening to rhymes in playgrounds, noting
dialects etc.

One more thing you may find interesting, in the UK we sing 'Ring a Ring a
Roses, A Pocket Full of Posies, Attishoo, Attishoo (this is supposed to be a
sneeze!), We All Fall Down'.  Of course, this refers to the symptoms and
supposed cures for bubonic plague.

I hope this is of help :-)))

Bekky
----------------
Rebekah Moran,
Education Officer

Royal Naval Museum
HM Naval Base (pp66)
PORTSMOUTH PO1 3NH
United Kingdom

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