Home >> Games & Cards >> Kids Games

What Are Dusty Blue Bells?

Bluebells are enjoyed in diverse parts of the world, growing wild in a wide variety of climates and terrain. Hiking to see the bluebells when they burst into bloom is a favorite activity wherever they grow. Their tiny, perfectly-formed bells dangling from a single stalk create wonder and mystery that has made them the center of legends and lore for decades. They have even been the star of a children's game in Europe for generations, which is where they became dubbed "dusty bluebells."

Wildflowers
- Bluebells grow wild on all types of terrain.
  
  Bluebells are wildflowers that grow in the woods, fields, on mountains and near the shoreline throughout North America, western Europe and Northern Africa. In the U.S. they are also known as Virginia Bluebells, although they are found throughout the country. In Scotland, they are often called harebells because of the rabbits that run and play in fields of bluebells. Legends say the little bluebells are rung to call fairies to a convention, which is why they are sometimes called "fairy thimbles."
Children's Game
- "Dusty Bluebells" was a beloved child's outdoor singing game in Europe, particularly from the 1950s through the 1970s. It was especially prevalent in Britain, but also Scotland and Ireland. It was also sometimes called "Dusky Bluebells." Children gathered in a circle, holding hands, and raising their arms up to make arches. One child wound in and out of the arches while everyone sang the song, "In and out of the dusty bluebells, in and out..." At the words "Tippy, tappy on her shoulder...," the child taps the nearest child, who grabs onto the leader's waist, and together they wind in and out of the bluebells. This continues as the line of children going in and out of the bluebells gets longer and longer, until not enough children are in the circle to play.
Dusty, Dusky
- The only place the bluebells are described as"dusty" and, less often, "dusky," is in the children's song and game. It is possible these words were used as adjectives for the bluebells because of the color of the flowers. Bluebells are a color sort of between blue and purple, with a velvety film over them that could be described as "dusty." It may be that another two syllables were needed to make the song work with the tune, and someone long ago thought "dusty" was the right choice, and it stuck.
Bluebell Facts
- Flowers are often associated with a special meaning or emotion, such as red roses standing for love. Bluebells are said to represent humility, gratitude and everlasting love. Perhaps the flowers are so revered because they are so easy to grow. Bluebells grow in sun or shade, in just about any kind of soil, and don't need much care to thrive.

Kids Games