Monday, June 1, 2009

Hickory Dickory……

Remember the nursery rhyme?

Your white slatted wooden armchair sits in the corner by the bay window of the nursery. The blinds have been lowered to stop the bright sun’s rays from streaming into the room too much. Now! Your little one has become restless in their cot so you pick him up (or her!) to cuddle and soak up that wonderful ‘baby’ smell of talcum powder. As you make yourself comfortable in your nursery chair with your precious bundle you remember a nursery rhyme from your childhood.

The origins and history are unknown but the first publication date for this nursery rhyme is 1744. It is thought that the rhyme originated to encourage little ones to learn about clocks and time; another thought is that is derived from the North American Indian word ‘pawcohiccora’ which is an oily milk like liquid that is pressed from pounded hickory buts. The word ‘Pohickory’ was contained in a list of Virginia trees published in 1653. The word ‘Pohickory’ was then shortened to ‘hickory’.

The origins of the word ‘dock’ come from a species of plant we all know. Whenever we find a nettle plant there will always be a dock plant nearby the leaves of which we use for its healing properties to relieve the sting of the nettle.

Isn’t interesting to search the history and origins of something so familiar to all of us?

Anyway, back to where we were!

As your little one gazes up to you, softly you begin to sing…

Hickory dickory dock!
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down….
Hickory dickory dock!
Tick tock, tick tock.

Hickory dickory dock!
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck two
The mouse said, ‘Boo’
Hickory dickory dock!
Tick tock, tick tock.

Whilst the warm rays of the sun shielded by the blinds throw their glow over you and your precious one let’s wander around Etsy.com and the BBEST team to see what we can find!

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Hickory Dickory Dock giclee print by Winborg Design

This print would look delightful in the nursery, especially framed to match the nursery colours.





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Hickory Dickory Dock cross stitch set by Celestes Babies

Imagine completing this lovely sampler style piece of work and framing it. It would be so unique and lovely!





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Happy Times – quilted fabric postcard by Attack of the Vintage

A quilted postcard that can be used as a picture for the nursery too with all its fun characters.



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Personalised knit baby blanket by Blazing Needles

What could be more precious that a personalised blanket to tuck around whilst singing a nursery rhyme?





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Stork and Baby vintage necklace/bookmark by Joonwalk

This is such a cute nursery image from the 1930s era.






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Burb pad and drool bib set by Scottie Acres Boutique

Just the set to use when baby is teething or being burped!




There were many more products I could have chosen to adorn the nursery. It is so important to create a welcoming, stimulating and happy environment that will leave a lasting impression on your little one… and, you!

11 comments:

Beth said...

Love the old nursery rhymes. Enjoyed this feature and really nice items from our BBesters.

Zuda Gay Pease said...

What a sweet post!! Thank you for the bit of history lesson on Hickory Dickory Dock. :)

Yankeegirl said...

Once again I learned something!! Lovely BBEST items to go along with it.

Chauncey said...

Awww PQ, so sweet. Who doesn't love the old nursery rhymes? Great post!

Anonymous said...

Great blog Pat. Love the rhyme .

Pamela Baker said...

love this blog - now that I have a little grandson on the way and a little baby girl (5 mos) that i watch everyday - I am looking more at little baby items.
If I remember most of the mother goose's nursey rhymes were all politically motivated. I am going to have to check out what was really behind that rhyme.
great blog and interesting choices.

blazingneedles said...

Great post! Reminds me of when mine were small.

And thanks for including my blankets.

The Filigree Garden said...

Fun post! I like to read about word origins.

gloria said...

Aw, how sweet! I still like nursery rhymes!

joon said...

Oh Pat, how fun! What a wonderfully creative theme for your post. I love your featured item choices. Love how you mixed things up. And thank you for including my piece...I was so surprised. I'd forgotten all about it. What a nut I am. Maybe too many hours rocking fussy babies. Sure, let's blame it on that. :)

Pam said...

How very interesting! And what sweet items you chose to go along with your wonderful blogpost!