The Man in the Moon

This rhyme first appeared in print in 1784 in Joseph Ritson's "Gammer Gurton's Garland," though the character of the Man in the Moon has ancient roots in folklore, appearing in medieval tales as a peasant banished to the moon and referenced in works by Shakespeare. The rhyme tells of the Man in the Moon descending and burning his mouth with either "hot pease porridge" or "cold plum porridge" after asking his way to Norwich. Plum porridge, mentioned in the rhyme, was a savory, meat-based pottage that originated in medieval times (14th-15th century) and contained chopped beef or mutton, vegetables, dried fruits, and spices. By the 18th century, it was transforming into a sweeter dish and being gradually replaced by the more familiar plum pudding. Experts suggest the rhyme's words are likely "agreeable nonsense" rather than containing hidden meanings.