The Ball of Primrose Lyrics
A ring dance with ribbons. The children circle round promising yellow ribbons, then pair off and waltz, and the next round brings a new color.
The Ball of Primrose
We'll wear yellow ribbons, yellow ribbons, yellow ribbons,
We'll wear yellow ribbons at the Ball of Primrose;
We'll all go a-waltzing, a-waltzing, a-waltzing,
We'll all go a-waltzing at the Ball of Primrose.
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/ball-of-primrose/
- Type
- Action Songs
- Tune
- Sung ring game
- Best for ages
- 3 to 8 years
Hand Motions and Actions
| When you sing | Do this |
|---|---|
| We'll wear yellow ribbons | Hold hands in a ring and skip round. |
| At the Ball of Primrose | Stop and curtsy or bow to the middle. |
| We'll all go a-waltzing | Let go, pair up and twirl round together. |
What Does The Ball of Primrose Mean?
A ball here is a grand dance, and the primrose is a pale yellow flower that blooms in early spring, which is why the first ribbons are yellow. To waltz is to turn round and round with a partner in a smooth one-two-three step.
History and Origin
Alice Bertha Gomme recorded the game in The Traditional Games of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1894), with versions from Epworth near Doncaster and from Lossiemouth. The children form a ring and dance round singing the first two lines, then waltz in couples, naming a different ribbon color each time.
Learning Activities
- Ribbon round: hand out ribbons or strips of crepe paper in a new color each round.
- Waltz count: practice counting one-two-three while turning.
- Spring walk: look for primroses and other yellow flowers in spring.