What is the origin of the Jack and Jill rhyme?

Answer 1

Jack and Jill story - The French (history) connection!
The roots of the story, or poem, of Jack and Jill are in France. Jack and Jill referred to are said to be King Louis XVI - Jack -who was beheaded (lost his crown) 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 in during the Reign of Terror in 1793. The first publication date for the lyrics of 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 mis-spelling of Gill is not uncommon in nursery rhymes as they are usually passed from generation to generation by word of mouth.
Death by Beheading!
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.


I used to have a nursery rhyme book that explained all the histories of these rhymes but alas it was lost in our move :(
This site is great for those explanations though, have fun!

Answer 2

Jack And Jill Words

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the origin of the Jack and Jill rhyme?

Answer 4

I think it is actually a Hans Christen Andersen rhyme, and comes from the fact that children often had as a chore gathering water from a well. Of course, children would play around as much in those days as now, and it would be all too likely for two children to wind up rolling or falling down a hill, as it would be for them to actually do their assigned chore.

Whoa...I answered a question seriously, without any witty comments or sarcasm. Kinda like Keanu Reeves starring in a critically acclaimed film, that sorta stuff just doesn't happen!

Answer 5

There are many interpretations of "Jack and Jill."
http://www.rooneydesign.com/JacknJill.html

See the above for a good assortment.

Answer 6

I seem to remember from school (a long time ago)
that It's roots lie in the Jacobite Uprising several centuries ago...hence Jack

Answer 7

ancient Scandinavian myth about a moon god capturing 2 Norse children Hjuki and Bil who were getting water from a well.

Answer 8

jack and hill went up the hill to fetch a cup of water. jack fell down and broke his cup and then he wake up crying

Answer 9

Same as humpty dumpty

Answer 10

Midget wrestlers wrote it