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Ring Around the Rosies

Although typically considered to be just a myth, some feel this song aptly describes the "black plague"; i.e., "ring around the rosies" could refer to the red rash rings that those infected would get on their skin; "pocket full of posies" could refer to the fact that people would carry posies (a flower) in their pockets with the belief that this would keep the plague at bay; "ashes, ashes" might have originally been "Achoo, Achoo" to designate sneezing, another symptom; and "we all fall down" could refer to the many deaths that the disease caused.

(Modern)

(Children hold hands and dance around in a circle)

Ring around the rosies
A pocket full of posies;
Ashes, Ashes
All stand still.
(Children hold still)

The King has sent his daughter,
To fetch a pail of water ;
(Children hold hands and dance around in a circle)
Ashes, Ashes
All fall down.
(Children fall to the floor)

The bird upon the steeple,
Sits high above the people;
(Children hold hands and dance around in a circle)
Ashes, Ashes
All kneel down.
(Children kneel)

The wedding bells are ringing,
The boys and girls are singing;
(Children hold hands and dance around in a circle)
Ashes, Ashes,
All fall down.

(Children fall to the floor)

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When you encounter this image link to a non-NIEHS site

or the words "Non-NIEHS Link", it means that by following that link you will be leaving the NIEHS website. NIEHS is NOT responsible for non-NIEHS websites. Sites maintained by outside organizations may be changed without notice to NIEHS. Therefore, unless the link is to another U.S. government sponsored webpage, endorsement by NIEHS is not implied, and NIEHS does not guarantee their continuing safe content or privacy policies. So please ask your parent or guardian before continuing to any non-NIEHS website, and especially before providing any information via the internet or by e-mail. When last reviewed, the websites linked from the NIEHS Kids' Pages seemed suitable for you to visit, but that may have changed; if you have any difficulties or concerns with any linked materials, please let us know.