Bat Bat Come Under My Hat
This rhyme is a brief, old English verse, often considered a charm or an invitation by a child to a bat. Its nonsensical nature places it firmly within traditional children’s playground chants.
Bat, bat, come under my hat,
And I’ll give you a slice of bacon;
And when I bake,
I’ll give you a cake,
If I am not mistaken.
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What is the Meaning of the ‘Bat Bat Come Under My Hat’ Nursery Rhyme?
This nonsense rhyme invites a bat to hide under the speaker’s hat in exchange for food, blending unusual imagery with playful bargaining. Its whimsical nature delights children and is typical of Mother Goose rhymes, with the hat symbolizing comfort or protection and the promise of treats adding a friendly tone. Some folklorists connect the rhyme to old beliefs about bats seeking shelter in homes or chimneys, possibly nibbling curing bacon.
History and Origin of the Rhyme
Believed to originate in the 19th century, the rhyme appears in Victorian nursery collections and may have earlier oral roots. It is linked to English and Irish folklore, with references found in “Mother Goose: or, the Old Nursery Rhymes” (1881) and the work of poet William Allingham.
Time Period
First published in the late 1800s, maintained through 20th-century anthologies and still recited today.
Historical or Cultural Notes
Associated with superstitions about bats and food in English folklore. The rhyme sometimes appears linked to Halloween celebrations and stories about bats in old houses.
Notable Variants
A historical African American version adds “Don’t bring any of your old bedbugs, If you don’t want to be forsaken,” emphasizing household cleanliness.
Why It Became Popular
Children enjoy the fun, surprising invitation and the lively promise of bacon and cake. Its short lines and catchy rhythm make it easy to remember and perform, especially during Halloween or animal-themed lessons.
Structure, Style, and Themes
Structure and Style
- Meter: Simple, regular, suitable for clapping or chanting
- Rhyme Scheme: AABCCB (six-line verse)
- Line Count: Six lines
- Style Notes: Nonsense rhyme, playful, bargaining
Themes
- Protection and comfort
- Food and kindness
- Nonsense and surreal imagery
Language Notes
Uses direct address and offer-based phrasing (“Come under my hat, and I’ll give you…”), reflective of bargaining in folk speech. “If I am not mistaken” serves as playful closing.
Moral or Lesson
No serious moral, but models imaginative hospitality and the joy of sharing unusual company.