Ring a Ring o Rosie

by Tom Carty (Thomas O’ Carthaigh),
Tullamore (Tullach Mhor), Ireland

he children’s rhyme “Ring a Ring o Rosie” comes from the time of the Black Death, and the “Atishoo, atishoo” line comes from the first signs of the plague, which were sneezing, flu-like symptoms.

That is also where we get the phrase “God bless you” in English when someone sneezes. It is literally a prayer someone is not getting the plague. Incidentally, the Slavs seem to say “Nazdraviye” (very bad spelling!!!) or “Cheers”, actually “To (your) health!”