The United Kingdom has a rich and wonderful tradition of nursery rhymes, children's songs and folk tunes. Click the regions listed below for songs from different areas or click Mother Goose to explore that beloved collection.
Here are some of Mama Lisa's recent posts about the music, culture and traditions of the United Kingdom:
Booktrust did a survey of over 2,500 people in the UK to determine the top nursery rhymes. Here they are with links to their lyrics (most of the links have mp3’s or videos too): 1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 2. Incey Wincey Spider 3. Round And Round The Garden 4. Baa Baa Black Sheep 5. The... Read more »
Here’s an Irish Blessing just in time for St. Patrick’s Day... Irish Blessing May your pockets be heavy And your heart be light. May good luck pursue you Each morning and night. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! -Mama Lisa Read more »
Song of The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker was written by Irish poet William Allingham (1824 – 1889). Leprechauns are known to be shoemakers. At the end of the work day, they hide away the money they earned in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Song of The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker is... Read more »
There are many variations in different languages of "mother" and "father". These are formal words that people use when referring to their parents. But most words used to address our parents directly are less formal. In the US, most people don’t say "mother’ and "father" when talking to their parents. Even when I was a kid... Read more »
Towards the end of WWI two cousins, young girls, took photos with fairies they said they had met. Later they admitted they faked the photos. Yet many people at the time believed they were real, including the author of the Sherlock Holmes stores, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! The fairies came to be called the "Cottingley Fairies". ... Read more »- I asked people informally how they tip for services for the holidays at the end of the year. Answers varied. So don’t feel like you have to go by a chart! Part of the answer had to do with a person’s economic condition. So people receiving tips should keep this in mind! Some people will... Read more »
It’s a tradition in the US and the UK to tip people at the end of the year who perform services. Some of the people who are tipped are: Mail Couriers, Sanitation Workers, Hairdressers, Milkmen, House Cleaners, Nanny’s, Music Instructors, Dog Groomers, Teachers, etc. Many people wonder if they’re tipping the right amount. This seems... Read more »
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas when tradesmen and servants were traditionally given tips or gifts for their service. Here’s what Rebecca wrote about it from the UK... The ‘Christmas box’ was traditionally for those who serviced your house; bin men, milkmen & coal men! Well, in the last century.... Read more »
Here’s a fun illustration called "A Tour in the Toy Country" by British illustrator Randolph Caldecott (1846 - 1886). Caldecott illustrated many books for children. Read more »
For all you fans of the animated show The Simpsons, check out these opening credits done with real live people.... (via Kottke) Pretty cool! But where’s Marge’s tall blue hair? Enjoy! Mama Lisa Read more »
RELATED LINKS
Folk Music of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and America
(In English)
Historical Information and Background for traditional tunes from Britain, Ireland and America, circa 1650 to 1900.
