Jack-in-the-box facts for kids
A jack-in-the-box is a fun children's toy. It looks like a simple box with a handle, or crank, on the side. When you turn the crank, the toy plays a short song. Often, the tune is "Pop Goes the Weasel".
The best part is the surprise! At the end of the song, or sometimes at a random moment, the lid of the box suddenly opens. A figure, usually a clown or a jester, then pops out. This unexpected movement makes the toy exciting and a bit startling. Many jack-in-the-boxes that play "Pop Goes the Weasel" are designed to open exactly when the word "pop" would be sung.
History of the Jack-in-the-Box
The idea behind the jack-in-the-box might come from a very old story. Some people believe its origin goes back to the 14th century in England. There was a religious leader named Sir John Schorne. He is often shown in pictures holding a boot with a devil inside it.
Sir John Schorne's Legend
According to old stories, Sir John Schorne once trapped a devil inside a boot. He did this to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire. This legend might be connected to the toy's name in other languages. For example, in French, a jack-in-the-box is called "diable en boîte". This means "devil in a box." It suggests a link to the old tale of the devil being trapped.
See also
In Spanish: Caja sorpresa para niños
