Babies, no matter where they are born or what they look like, come to us without language or social norms. They need our love and nurturing to grow and our soothing voices and touch to calm their fears. For centuries, parents around the globe have sung and hummed to their little ones, and as spring approaches with its promise of new life, we thought we'd share with you the origins of some of the lullabies we've raised our babies with for centuries. So, hum away as you read more about where those iconic tunes came from, why so many refer to unpleasant situations, and why we have them in the first place.
The official blog of the St. Louis Genealogical Society. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Send news to publications@stlgs.org .
16 March 2026
24 November 2025
Another Holiday Tradition: The Thanksgiving Song
Do you remember learning that sweet Thanksgiving song when you were younger? Did you hum "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go" long before you ever knew that horses were harnessed to sleighs in the days before people just got into their cars and drove to Grandma's? Like many holiday traditions, this well-worn one is not the same as when it started, and so we thought you'd like a little background before you start humming this week. We hope you still have a grandparent to go to for your holiday, or, if you are the grandparent, that your family will be making a trek to your comfortable home for a delicious holiday meal. Meanwhile, here's some fun information on this beloved holiday classic.