Is "Ring Around the Rosie" Really About the Bubonic Plague?

Ring Around the Rosie: Innocent Rhyme or Hidden Darkness?

Nursery rhymes often come across as simple, innocent songs meant for children, but for many Christians, the origins and meanings of these rhymes are anything but innocent. One of the most infamous examples is Ring Around the Rosie. A song we’ve sung without a second thought for years until we stopped to ask ourselves: What does “ashes, ashes” mean in a kids' song? Let’s dive into the theories, the spiritual implications, and why believers must stay woke to the schemes of the enemy.

A Grim Theory: The Bubonic Plague Connection

The popular interpretation of Ring Around the Rosie ties it to the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. According to this theory:

• “Ring around the Rosie” refers to the red, circular rashes (rosies) on the skin of those infected.
• “A pocket full of posies” alludes to the flowers carried to mask the stench of death or believed to fend off the disease.
• “Ashes, ashes” supposedly represents the cremation of bodies or funeral ashes.
• “We all fall down” is interpreted as succumbing to death during the plague.

It’s a grim explanation, but many historians and folklorists argue against its accuracy. The rhyme wasn’t recorded until centuries after the plague, and similar versions across Europe, such as Germany’s Ringel, Ringel, Rosenkranz, make no mention of ashes or death. So, why do so many believe this dark origin story?

The Power of Stories

The world loves a sinister backstory, and associating a cheerful children’s rhyme with a tragic historical event feels compelling. But for Christians, the obsession with darkness should raise spiritual red flags. Whether this theory is accurate or not, the fascination with death and disease is troubling in itself. As believers, we know that the enemy works subtly, sneaking darkness into places we least expect.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.” Could this rhyme, innocent as it seems, be an example of darkness disguised as light?

Be Spiritually Woke

Even though something might seem as harmless as playing a simple song, we must not be spiritually blind. As Christians, we know that the world often makes things appear like they aren’t a big deal, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t. If something stirs your spirit or feels demonic, trust that discernment it is demonic.

The enemy thrives on disguising darkness as light, and we are called to be vigilant. Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Songs like Ring Around the Rosie might seem harmless, but if it causes discomfort in your spirit, take it seriously. The devil has a way of making things look normal when they are anything but.

What Parents Are Saying

Many parents have expressed unease about Ring Around the Rosie. Online forums and Christian parenting groups are filled with testimonies from moms and dads who felt a spiritual nudge to dig deeper into the song's meaning. “I don’t care what historians say,” one parent wrote. “Every time I hear ‘ashes, ashes,’ it gives me chills. That can’t be innocent.”

Another parent shared, “I was playing a learning video for my kids, and when the song came on, I felt the Holy Spirit saying, ‘Turn that off.’” These experiences show how Christians are waking up to the hidden spiritual messages in everyday things.

The American Public’s Reaction

Beyond the Christian community, even secular discussions about Ring Around the Rosie reveal a fascination with its eerie undertones. Some skeptics dismiss the plague theory as overblown, but others can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to the rhyme than meets the eye.

For many, the mere possibility of a connection to death and disease is enough to question whether such a song belongs in childhood entertainment. As believers, we know better than to dismiss these instincts. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Let’s not allow unsettling traditions to slip past our defenses.

The Devil in Disguise

Whether or not Ring Around the Rosie truly has sinister origins, the enemy has always been skilled at masking evil in innocence. He uses subtlety to infiltrate our homes and lives, and he often starts with children.

2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” What better way to normalize darkness than through a cheerful song sung by children worldwide? It’s a strategy as old as time: make evil look harmless, and people will embrace it without question.

The Call to Discernment

For Christians, this isn’t about paranoia; it’s about discernment. Proverbs 3:21 urges us to “preserve sound judgment and discernment; do not let them out of your sight.” When we feel the Holy Spirit prompting us to question something, we must listen. Whether it’s a song, a movie, or a cultural tradition, our first responsibility is to honor God by seeking the truth.

A Teaching Moment

Parents, let this be an opportunity to teach your children about discernment. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to teach our children diligently, talking about God’s truth as we go about our daily lives. Use songs like Ring Around the Rosie to start a conversation about spiritual awareness. Teach your kids to recognize when something doesn’t sit right in their spirit and to seek God’s wisdom in all things.

Laugh, Pray, Stay Woke

Yes, the idea of a “demonic nursery rhyme” might sound a little funny at first, but God often uses humor to get our attention. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” and sometimes it takes a moment of laughter to remind us of the joy and light we have in Christ.

But don’t let that humor distract you from the truth: we are in a spiritual battle. Every detail, no matter how small, matters in the fight to guard our hearts and minds.

Conclusion: Harmless or Harmful?

At the end of the day, the origins of Ring Around the Rosie may never be fully clear. But one thing is certain: as Christians, we can’t afford to be spiritually blind. Whether it’s a children’s song or a new cultural trend, we must remain vigilant, prayerful, and discerning.

So, the next time you hear “ashes, ashes,” let it be a reminder to pray, seek wisdom, and keep your spiritual eyes wide open. The enemy may try to hide in the smallest of things, but as long as we stay grounded in God’s truth, we’ll see him coming from a mile away.

References

Winick, S. (2014, July 24). Ring Around the Rosie: Metafolklore, rhyme and Reason | Folklife Today. The Library of Congress. https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2014/07/ring-around-the-rosie-metafolklore-rhyme-and-reason/

https://allthatsinteresting.com/ring-around-the-rosie