Bo Peep February 18, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Pease Porridge Hot

Pease porridge hot,
Pease porridge cold,
Pease porridge in the pot
Nine days old.
Some like it hot,
Some like it cold,
Some like it in the pot
Nine days old.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Mother Goose Classics, Play & Action

Tagged cold, food, hand-clapping, hot, nine, porridge

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Meaning

“Pease Porridge Hot” refers to a type of pease pudding, a dish made from dried split peas boiled to a thick consistency. The rhyme highlights that pease porridge could be eaten hot, cold, or even after days of sitting in the pot—reflecting old food preservation habits and the practical reality of leftovers before refrigeration. Children enjoy the rhyme for its repetition and rhythmic clapping game.

Origin

First recorded in the 18th century in “Mother Goose’s Melody,” the rhyme likely dates back to the medieval period when pease pudding was a common, affordable meal in England. Its repetitive structure made it easy to memorize and recite, ensuring its longevity in oral tradition and nursery lore.

Time Period

The rhyme was printed as early as the 1760s, but its culinary subject matter is centuries older, relating to medieval and early modern foodways.

Why It Became Popular

Its simplicity, musicality, and accompanying clapping game have made it a favorite among children. The rhyme also helps early childhood development by promoting language skills and hand coordination.

Structure and Style

Meter: Simple, repetitive iambs and trochees suited for chanting
Rhyme Scheme: ABBACDDC
Line Count: 8 in its most common modern form
Style Notes: Riddle-like, cumulative, rhythmic

Themes

Food and daily life
Preservation and leftovers
Repetition and memory
Rhythmic play

Language Notes

“Pease” is an old plural for “pea” used as a mass noun, and “porridge” refers to the thick dish made from split peas. The rhyme’s phrases efficiently describe the reality of food storage and taste options: some like it fresh, some old.

Moral or Lesson

Teaches adaptability and acceptance of plain foods, while also showing that traditions surrounding everyday meals can become sources of fun and play.

Historical or Cultural Notes

Pease pudding or porridge was a staple of medieval and early modern English meals, cooked in large pots and eaten over several days. The rhyme echoes this practice and survives as both a culinary and childhood tradition.

Notable Variants

Alternate lines and additional riddles appear in printed versions, and regional forms sometimes change “pease porridge” to “pease pudding.”

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in all major nursery rhyme collections, the rhyme is also referenced in books and educational programs about historical foods and English heritage.

Suggested Activities

Clapping Game: Pair the rhyme with rhythmic hand claps, alone or with partners.
Cooking Demo: Make simple pease pudding to connect history and culinary learning.
Art Project: Draw a big pot of porridge and decorate it with the rhyme’s key phrases.
History Discussion: Compare food habits in medieval England and today.

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Pease Porridge Hot

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