Notes

There's an old game that resembles this rhyme. Of course I'm not recommending that children play this in their houses without adult supervision! It's probably better if they don't play it at all. It's just interesting to read about, from an historical perspective. Here's how it's described in a book called, "Games for Hallow-e'en", by Mary F. Blain (1912):

Jumping Lighted Candle

Place a lighted candle in middle of floor, not too securely placed;
each one jumps over it. Whoever succeeds in clearing candle is
guaranteed a happy year, free of trouble or anxiety. He who knocks
candle over will have a twelve-month of woe.

I don't think I'd have my kids do this in my house!

Game Instructions

(1) Jack is one hand walking along on its
fore- and middle-fingers.
(2) Fist closed on other hand; uplifted thumb for candle.
Jack jumps over it.

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Thanks and Acknowledgements

The first illustration comes from The crooked man and other rhymes, from Aunt Mary's Little Series (published in New York between 1851 and 1870 by McLoughlin Bros.). The second illustration comes from Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17), Fun and Thought for Little Folk (1912), with some graphical editing by Mama Lisa. The third illustration comes from The Real Mother Goose (1916), illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright. The 4th illustration can be found in The Little Mother Goose (1912), illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith, and printed in the USA.