Dog Nursery Rhymes & their Secret Messages

 

Dog Nursery Rhymes & their Secret Messages

 

There have been many rhymes and poems written about dogs, some of which have secret hidden meanings!

Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry - Dog Nursery Rhymes & their Secret Messages !
We have dedicated this section of the site to famous Dog poems, poetry and even some favourite dog nursery rhymes and their secret messages!

 

 

Hark hark the dogs do bark
A sinister tale - "Hark, hark the dogs do bark" rhyme dates back to 13th century England. The origin of "Hark, hark the dogs do bark", reflected in the words, is seeped in history. Wandering minstrels or troubadours and beggars went from city to town singing their songs (some in rags and some in tags and one in a velvet gown) Messages of dissent to the common people were often found in secret meanings to the words of their ballads and rhymes. The famous Peasant's Revolt of 1377 against the state was encouraged and inflamed by the rhyme that went "When Adam delved and Eve span - who was then the gentleman?" In this way the propaganda of the day was safely passed from one community to another. These secret messages could lead to plots and uprisings against the royalty, clergy and politicians of the day. Strangers were never trusted in communities. Dogs barking alerted the townspeople to strangers in their area, hence the words "Hark, hark the dogs do bark ..."

Hark hark the dogs do bark
The beggars are coming to town
Some in rags and some in tags
And one in a velvet gown.

Old Mother Hubbard
Origins of Old Mother Hubbard lyrics in British history
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.

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get her poor doggie a bone,
When she got there
The cupboard was bare
So the poor little doggie had none.

 

Dog photograph

 

Dog Nursery Rhymes
Our thanks to www.rhymes.org.uk for allowing us to reproduce this information on this section. We would recommend this site for any interested in the History and Origins of Nursery Rhymes. Of special interest might be the rhyme " Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" - you won't believe what this innocent little rhyme refers to!

Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry
Please click one of the following links to enjoy our selection of Famous Dog Poems and Dog Poetry:

 

Famous Dogs and their Owners
The famous dogs and their stories make fascinating reading. Try out your knowledge of dogs, including the famous dogs and their owners by visiting our Dog Quiz - Can you make it to the 'Winner's Hall of Fame' ?

 

Dog Nursery Rhymes & their Secret Messages

 

Dog Breeds Alphabet

Dog Names & Breeds Site Index Dog Poems & Poetry
Famous Dog Poems - Poetry - Nursery Rhymes - Canine - Secret Messages - Poem - Famous Dog Poems - Poetry - Nursery Rhymes - Canine - Secret Messages - Poem - Famous Dog Poems - Poetry - Nursery Rhymes - Canine - Secret Messages - Poem - Famous Dog Poems - Poetry - Nursery Rhymes - Canine - Secret Messages - Poem - Written By Linda Alchin