''Ring Around The Rosey''

By Crusader1307

 This “quaint” Childhood “Nursery Rhyme” is one we all have heard when young. It is actually a “portent” of the Doom and Misery of one of the primary “Killers” of The Middle Ages – The “Black Death” (or Bubonic Plague). The much debated “unknown” Author tells of of the effects and final “disposition” of Plague victims. It's “verse and explanation” is as follows:

 
“Ring Around The Rosey”
This is a direct reference to the red Cyst-like Puscles that Plague victims developed as a result of exposure.
 

“A Pocket full of Posies”
It was thought that the act of carrying flowers in one's pocket, would be held up to the nose and mouth to “ward off” the “Pestilence”. The practice was somewhat modified by “Plague Doctors” who wore “Plague Masks”. This resembled a face piece with a long beak-like extension. Flowers were also placed inside for pretty much the same reason. It also helped keep down the stench of decomposing bodies (and later) – the smell of burning human dead (in the attempt to rid one's City of the disease).


“Ashes, Ashes – We All Fall Down”
Originally, Plague victims were quickly buried. When there became too many (and the ability to quickly dispose of them), they were burned (cremated). Although this was against “Church Law” at the time, it was quickly determined to be effective. The final stanza was meant to convey the desperation felt as a result of The Plague – everyone was destined to die from it!