Enchanting Scandinavian Folk Art Mary Maiden and Lamb

Celebrate childhood magic with Mary and her little lamb in this enchanting folk art for the nursery.

Story Origin and Inspiration

Mary Had a Little Lamb is one of the most famous American nursery rhymes. The poem was first published in 1830 by Sarah Josepha Hale (1788–1879), a prominent writer and editor. The story is believed to be inspired by a real girl, Mary Sawyer, who in the early 1800s brought her pet lamb to school in Sterling, Massachusetts, causing quite a stir.  Hale’s poem captured this charming moment, turning it into a rhyme that was embraced by generations of children.  In 1877, Thomas Edison famously recorded part of Mary Had a Little Lamb on his phonograph — making it the first audio recording in history.  Over the years, the rhyme has become a symbol of childhood innocence, companionship, and gentle love, which makes it an ideal inspiration for nursery art.

📜 Synopsis of the Story:

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow,
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to go.

It followed her to school one day—
That was against the rule,
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school.

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