Daffy-Down-Dilly Lyrics
Who arrives in town wearing a yellow petticoat and a green gown? Daffy-Down-Dilly, the old country name for the daffodil. This two-line rhyme is a spring riddle.
Daffy-Down-Dilly
Daffy-down-dilly has come to town
In a yellow petticoat and a green gown.
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/daffy-down-dilly/
- Type
- Mother Goose
- Tune
- Spoken riddle
- Best for ages
- 2 to 6 years
What Does Daffy-Down-Dilly Mean?
Daffy-down-dilly is an old English name for the daffodil. The yellow petticoat is the bright yellow flower, and the green gown is its long green leaves and stem. When daffodils "come to town", spring has arrived.
History and Origin
The name "daffadowndilly" was used in English for daffodils by the 1500s, and the rhyme was printed in collections by the 1800s. It sits in the old tradition of riddle rhymes, like Little Nancy Etticoat, where an object is described as a person.
Learning Activities
- Spring walk: look for daffodils and point out the yellow petticoat and green gown.
- Plant bulbs: plant daffodil bulbs in the fall and wait for Daffy-Down-Dilly to arrive in spring.
- Flower riddles: invent a riddle for another flower, like the red-coated poppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is daffy-down-dilly?
An old name for the daffodil flower.
What do the petticoat and gown mean?
The yellow petticoat is the flower and the green gown is its leaves and stem.