The Bear Went Over the Mountain (song) facts for kids
"The Bear Went Over the Mountain" is a fun campfire song that many people know! It's sung to the same tune as another famous song, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow". No one knows exactly who wrote the words to "The Bear Went Over the Mountain". The song is in the public domain, which means anyone can use it without needing special permission.
Famous singer Bing Crosby included "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" in a mix of songs on his 1961 album called 101 Gang Songs. It has also been featured in children's shows like Kidsongs and as background music in Animaniacs.
The Song's Possible Roots
Some experts believe this catchy song might have come from old traditions in Germany. A folklorist (someone who studies old stories and customs) named Don Yoder thought it could be linked to German traditions similar to Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day and Weather Bears
You might know Groundhog Day as a day when a groundhog supposedly predicts the end of winter. This tradition actually started in Germany, where people watched badgers to guess the weather. But in some parts of Germany, people looked to other animals, like foxes or even bears, to predict if spring was coming.
How Bears Predict Weather
In these old German beliefs, people thought a bear would come out of its cozy den to check the weather. If the day was clear and sunny, the bear would decide winter was over. It would then leave its den and stop its hibernation (a long sleep animals take in winter). But if it was rainy or snowy, the bear would go back into its den for six more weeks of sleep! This idea of the bear looking "over the mountain" might be where our song comes from.
