It’s hard to find the origin behind less well known nursery rhymes, like Diddle Diddle Dumpling. However, many nursery rhymes are thought to be linked to past events from our history. Granted, we may believe that we know what the meaning behind Diddle Diddle Dumpling is but in fact the actual meaning has been lost in our history.
In the past, when folks didn’t know how to read or write, they would use nursery rhymes to quickly spread scandalous and rebellious messages to misrepresent leaders of their time. In that day and age, if someone would show criticism or differences of opinion to a leader, they were subject to punishment by death.
To truly unlock the true meaning of this nursery rhyme you would need to understand the past cultures and people of the day when it was originated. With this being said, around 1797, Diddle Diddle Dumpling was first recorded and published in The Newest Christmas Box in London. Some say it derived from a long-established street cry of sizzling dumpling sellers.
In addition,, this is the only old-time rhyme that utilizes the name John in the lyrics. With this in mind, John of Gaunt was a Plantagenet prince that was wealthy and powerful. Knowing that most rhymes have come from influential people in our past, it’s possible that Diddle Diddle Dumpling is about John of Gaunt or his decedents.
Today, Diddle Diddle Dumpling renditions appear throughout popular culture. In all reality, there really isn’t any way to know the real meaning of this particular nursery rhyme except for theories and educated guesses. Perhaps it’s just a gibberish rhyme that has been handed down from generation to generation.