National Mother Goose Day

A joyful child holding a book with hand-drawn nursery rhymes, surrounded by a whimsical garden and friendly animals.. — National mother goose day illustration

Welcome to National Mother Goose Day, where we celebrate the tongue-twisting maven who brought us countless nursery rhymes and childhood memories! So grab your favorite little one and get ready for a delightful journey into the world of Mother Goose.

When is Mother Goose Day?

It's national mother goose day on the 1st May.

A Brief History of Mother Goose

Did you know that Mother Goose wasn't an actual goose? Shocking, I know! Mother Goose is actually a mythical figure who has been the source of nursery rhymes for generations. Although her origins are a bit fuzzy, the stories and rhymes associated with Mother Goose first emerged in the 17th century.

Charles Perrault, a French author, published a collection of Mother Goose tales in 1697, which included beloved nursery rhymes like 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Cinderella.' These tales were then translated into English, and the legend of Mother Goose spread like wildfire.

Since then, Mother Goose has become a household name, capturing the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike. Her rhymes and stories continue to be cherished and passed down from generation to generation.

History behind the term 'Mother Goose'

1590

Publication of 'Rimes de la Mère Oye'

In the year 1590, a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes called 'Rimes de la Mère Oye' was published in France. Although the author of this collection remains uncertain, it is widely believed that the poet Charles Perrault was responsible for this work. The term 'Mother Goose' appeared in the title, referencing a mythical figure who personified the storytelling tradition.

1697

Publication of 'Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals'

Step 2 of the history takes us to the year 1697 when Charles Perrault released another influential collection of fairy tales called 'Histoires ou contes du temps passé, avec des moralités.' Among these tales was 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Cinderella,' which included references to Mother Goose as the storyteller. These tales spread across Europe and contributed significantly to the popularity of Mother Goose as a character.

1765

English Translation of Perrault's Tales

In 1765, an English translation of Charles Perrault's tales was published under the title 'Mother Goose's Melody.' This translation introduced Perrault's stories, including the tales of Cinderella, Puss in Boots, and Little Red Riding Hood, to the English-speaking world. The term 'Mother Goose' gained new prominence as it appeared on the cover of this popular translation, solidifying its association with fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

1780

Publication of 'Mother Goose's Melodies'

Step 4 brings us to the year 1780 when an American publisher named Isaiah Thomas released a collection of children's songs and rhymes titled 'Mother Goose's Melodies.' This publication featured a mix of traditional English nursery rhymes and popular American songs. Although the term 'Mother Goose' originally referred to the character who told the stories, it gradually became synonymous with the collection of nursery rhymes itself.

19th Century

Expanding Cultural Impact and Adaptations

Throughout the 19th century, the term 'Mother Goose' continued to gain popularity in the cultural landscape. Numerous adaptations and expansions of the original nursery rhymes were published, including elaborate illustrated editions and stage adaptations. 'Mother Goose' became a household name and a symbol of childhood imagination, evolving beyond the realm of Charles Perrault's stories and encompassing a wider range of nursery rhymes and folklore.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'Mother Goose' was first made popular by the English publisher John Newbery in the 18th century? He published a collection of nursery rhymes under the title 'Mother Goose's Melody' and the rest is history!