There Was an Old Woman Who Lived Under a Hill facts for kids

"There was an old woman lived under a hill" is a classic nursery rhyme that has been around for a very long time! It was first printed in a book way back in 1714. This means people have been singing and sharing this rhyme for over 300 years. It's also listed in the Roud Folk Song Index as number 797, which is a special way experts keep track of traditional songs and rhymes.

The Rhyme's Words

This simple rhyme tells a short story about an old woman. Here are the words:

There was an old woman lived under the hill,

And if she's not gone she lives there still.

Baked apples she sold, and cranberry pies,

And she's the old woman that never told lies.

What Does the Rhyme Mean?

This rhyme is quite straightforward. It describes an old woman who lives near a hill. The line "And if she's not gone she lives there still" is a playful way of saying she's been there for a long time, maybe even forever! She sells tasty treats like baked apples and cranberry pies. The most important part of her description is that she "never told lies," which means she was always honest. It's a sweet, simple rhyme that paints a picture of a kind, truthful old lady.

History of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes like "There was an old woman lived under a hill" are very important. They help young children learn about language, rhythm, and even simple stories. Many of these rhymes have been passed down through generations, sometimes changing a little bit over time. They often come from old songs, poems, or even historical events.

Why Are Rhymes Important for Kids?

• They help children learn new words.
• The rhythm and rhyme make them fun to listen to and remember.
• They can teach simple lessons, like being honest.
• They are a big part of childhood and cultural traditions.