Here's a common version:
**Ring around the rosie,
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes, ashes,
We all fall down.**
Possible Origins and Meanings:
* The Plague: Some theories suggest the rhyme references the bubonic plague. "Rosie" could refer to the red rash of the plague, "posies" to the fragrant herbs people carried for protection, and "ashes" to the burning of plague victims' bodies.
* Children's Games: More likely, it's a simple, fun children's game with no specific meaning. The repetition and physical actions (circling and falling) make it engaging for young children.
"Ring Around the Rosie" is a reminder that nursery rhymes are often passed down orally and evolve over time. While there's no definitive source, the rhyme remains a fun and familiar part of childhood.