No one knows exactly who Humpty Dumpty was. Neither do they know exactly how the name came about. Humpty Dumpty was originated in England and the “nickname” was given to someone who is big and large. There are evidence stating that the rhyme was directed towards a powerful canon during the English civil war (1642-1649). The canon was powerful because it was an important asset in order to protect the church of Saint Mary. Due to the severe damage on its roof. It was vulnerable to any attacks from a gunner known as ‘One-Eyed Jack Thompson.’
Until now these are the assumptions that are still being made till this day. There is no doubt that the church still stands as a landmark. However, we can’t be sure any of the damages was caused by anyone in particular without the evidence to back it up. During the 14 and 15 century there were soldiers known as round-heads. They wore rounded caps that cupped their heads to shield them from harm. When Thompson attacked with his soldiers, they aimed multiple times at the roof until it was a gaping hole.
Afterwards, they fired a few times with the canon. Until it fell apart and broke down. They tried to put it back together but they did not prevail. So that is how the rhyme came about. I believe that children can learn from this significantly. If you have ever heard of ‘Karma’ then you know of her work. It is also known as “an eye for an eye.”
What ever you do is what you receive. If you do good, you get good in return and vise versa. Children will not only enjoy the humor behind the funny looking egg and the charming rhyme. But they will use it with them in their lifetime. Kids especially, get very naughty when they see another child in possession of something that they want. They will go through great lengths to take it from them. There are some that have this mentality where ‘if I can’t have it, neither should you.’ This would be a lesson for them to help them think twice before it happens.
Furthermore, without them knowing the origins of the story let us say that they just see an egg fall and break? What lesson do they get out of that? Well if that’s the case they will learn how to accept things for what they are and move on. In the rhyme they mention that Humpty could not be put together again. It was a big change for everyone especially for the egg himself. However, he would have to learn to accept himself and the new changes brought to his life.
Altogether, the rhyme itself is very catchy and fun for children to laugh and dance to. Although the meaning behind it is pretty dark, as long as there is a jingle to go along with it they will love it. Now I don’t recommend you teaching the origins and the back story just yet. They might feel disturbed or misunderstood. Whatever the case is as long as you get the message through. It will stick by them throughout their lifetime.