Introduction to the Symbolism of
Children’s Games and Nursery rhymes
Introduction
Although many of the Games, Stories and Nursery rhymes
once enjoyed by children
are rapidly disappearing and their meaning being lost or corrupted
Nursery rhymes, myths and fables as well as Games,
were once an immensely rich feast of symbolic meaning.
Preparing children for a deeper understanding
of metaphysical concepts when they became older.
This video provides you with links to other videos,
so that you are able to see
what a superb system our ancestors left us.
And gives us the opportunity to introduce you
to the wonderful wealth of meaning
once built in to the teaching of Children.
The Means of Explanation
What do children love doing - children of all ages?
Well yes we know about this, but when they are not doing this ...
Well, they like playing games for fun,
sometimes competitively sometimes on their own,
so one way to help children learn is via games.
And they like finding out things - just simple
factual information without any opinions or comment.
For example what is a spider and what does it do?
So one way to help children learn is via a combination
of their own observation, and a bit of reading/tuition.
They love exciting stories with clear cut heroes
and villains and happy endings.
So myth and story telling is a good way
to teach moral lessons, without preaching.
They like to learn things when they have a question,
not later, but now.
‘Information’ for the sake of information is irrelevant,
but information with a purpose is remembered
- JUST-IN-TIME learning works.
All children like ‘making things’, creating,
whether it is cakes or clothes,
pots or pastry, we are all made to create something
No one learns things that are irrelevant,
some people can remember totally irrelevant even useless information,
but that is hardly an ability to be praised.
No one learns if they are threatened or hurt if they make a ‘mistake’.
Some may remember because of fear of punishment,
but little will be retained.
And this is how ‘Home schooling’ should work.
Home schooling does not mean applying
the same old broken system at home.
It means taking advantage of being at home to help children
[and adults] learn differently - and have fun.
So here are some examples.
Introducing the symbols in an entirely factual way
Before a child can be taught the symbolic meaning of anything
he or she first needs to know what it is.
And if the information is in a book,
they need to be able to read [and write].
Symbols woven into fun or exciting stories
Maybe then a little more symbolism can be introduced
using a story.
Perhaps reinforced by toys
that also incorporate a little of the symbolism.
Until the child is familiar with the ideas.
At which point the full symbolism can be explained
[see our video on the Symbolism of the Horse]
All that is needed is for an idea to be introduced
- King Alfred had a horned helmet
- and the stage has been set for a more detailed discussion
of Horn symbolism later [see video]
Outdoor games
Games can be solitary even simple pursuits,
such as skipping,
but still lead to complex metaphysical ideas.
The shape the rope makes is Egg shaped,
and this can lead to an understanding of the Cosmic Egg
[see our video]
The use of rope - the thread or cord - can lead to the symbolism
of Cocoons, Caterpillars and Butterflies [see video]
And the need to forever keep the rope turning and turning
to create this Aura and Egg for ourselves,
help when the idea of the programmed universe is introduced.
Even blowing bubbles can lead on to the symbolism
of bubbles, thoughts, smoke and other Spirit output [see video]
Outdoor pursuits
Perhaps instead we enjoy a game of hopscotch,
this time with other children.
And the hopping can lead us to the symbolism of lameness ...
and from there to the symbolism of Feet and shoes
see our video the Symbolism of Feet and shoes.
More outdoor pursuits
Maybe playing on toy cars or bicycles or
riding in carts, will lead to an exploration
of the symbolism of the Means of Transport,
and the Symbolism of the Chariot [see video]
And something very simple like giving a child a ‘piggy back’,
might prompt, the question ‘why is it called a piggy-back’
giving us the opportunity to explore the Symbolism of the Pig
[see the video]
Being at the Seaside offers a wealth of opportunity
for exploring Water symbolism, including that of the Shore,
Waves, and Ocean and Sea itself.
Even the old rubber ring can be used to describe
Energy recycling and the Ouroboros
[the video - The Concept of God in mysticism]
Boats [see the Symbolism of Boats video]
And Castles [see the symbolism of Castles video],
which can be further explored using the Doll’s house
[see video Memories and Rooms], when we get home.
Even something as apparently simple as Maypole dancing
is sufficiently rich to help introduce celestial poles
and the Order of Creation [see the video]
Indoor games and pursuits
Apparently simple games such as the yo yo
offer the chance for us to explore out of body experiences
and the thread or cord,
always bringing the spirit back to its body.
A Toy theatre offers the chance to explore the entire
symbolism of the Theatre [see video], with its puppets and players.
And some very apparently simple games
- such as Blind Man’s bluff - can lead us on to discussions
of quite a high philosophical and metaphysical nature later on
- such as the nature of reality [see video on Reality]
Dressing up can lead to an understanding
of the Personality and its mask [see the video]
The Spiritual path and destiny [see video]
Palaces and crowns [see the video]
And even very unexpected symbols and their meaning
like that of the Sheep [see video]
or Wolf [see video]
Moral fables [the ‘good guy’ always wins]
A story, a myth or fable is a far better way
to instill moral values in a child
than to preach at them DON’T ...
Because all good stories show the consequences
and thus the effects of an action.
And can also show the rewards of the right course of action
in far more subtle ways - paradise awaits!!
[see the Bridge video]