The JBN School of Candlestick Jumping Traditional Cache
Hidden : 3/15/2008
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Inspired by a certain "feature" at this location, this cache is all about that well-known Mother Goose nursery rhyme.




Jack be nimble,
Jack be quick,
Jack jump over
the candlestick.

Jack jumped high,
Jack jumped low,
Jack jumped over
and burned his toe.

Alternate Versions

There is an alternate version of the 2nd verse:
If Jack had jumped a little higher
He wouldn't have caught his pants on fire.

In urban culture, "pants" is sometimes replaced with "arse":
Jack be nimble,
Jack be quick,
Jack jump over candlestick.

If Jack had jumped a little higher,
He wouldn't have caught his arse on fire!


Origins

The first publication date for the rhyme is 1798. There are various thoughts as to the origin of the rhyme. The most commonly agreed origin for the Jack be nimble rhyme is the connection to Black Jack, an English pirate who was notorious for escaping from the authorities in the late 16th century; hence, Jack be nimble. Among other possible explanations are:

* It refers to the Yellow Fever (also called the yellow jack fever), which was believed to be kept at bay by flames. Candles would be put at the bedsides of children to keep the fever away.

* It is about a religious choice which could have led to burning at the stake.

* It could be associated with the old tradition and sport of 'candle leaping' which used to be practiced at some English fairs.

* It is related to a marriage ceremony.

* "Jumping over a candlestick" was a way of foretelling the future. If the candle stayed lit, good luck should follow, whereas if he went out, bad luck would follow.

The words of the Jack be nimble rhyme cannot be further analyzed due to the brevity of the text of the lyrics.




Whatever inspired the rhyme is probably lost to the ages, and you may be asking yourself the question, "What does any of this have to do with geocaching in the 21st century?".

Well, it seems like our old buddy Jack has made his may to the states, and has set up a school to instruct other boys & girls in the art of candlestick jumping right here in good ol' eastern Kentucky.

So, when you're in the area, take a moment to jump out of your cachemobile and grab a quick smilie. Do be careful here, especially if you have little ones with you, as there will likely be lots of vehicles whizzing by during your visit.



FTF Congrats to SpongeBob CachePants!!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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