So, I've been looking up lullabies.

[conuly]

And I've discovered something. Two sometimes.

1. In the world of lullabies-concerning-future-jobs, they all talk about what their son is going to do when he grows up. So... what did these people sing to their daughters? Isn't there even *one* about growing up, getting married, and having your own kids (the presumed occupation of all these daughters, just like they knew in advance what their sons would likely do)?

2. And why are they all featuring moonlight and such? Okay, yes, children do (hopefully) sleep at night, but... didn't these children take naps during the day? Were our ancestors so different from us, only a few generations ago? Didn't their parents feel silly singing about how late it was and the moon was shining, when it *wasn't*? I know I sure do.

Comments

[conuly]

As for putting the baby to sleep in a tree, that song irritates me. Aside from the gratuitious cruelty (go to sleep and DIE! YEAH!), I dislike how so many illustrations show a precariously-balanced floor cradle on a tree. Clearly, a hanging cradle is the sort that's meant.

But I have issues with *everything* sometimes. I shouldn't post when I do.

[eofs.livejournal.com]

Whilst yours clearly makes more sense, the normal interpretation is far more fun :0D

[conuly]

If you say so.

[sayga.livejournal.com]

wow, i want that hanging cradle... but there are no trees here big enough to hang it from.

and i never knew the correct spelling was lullaby (no e). hmm.

[conuly]

1. Me too - I think you can hang it from your ceiling, though.

2. Neither did I. *sigh*