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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!

February brings Setsubun and the chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” In nurseries and kindergartens, there are likely many chances to sing songs related to Setsubun.

But in fact, there are plenty of songs perfect for February beyond just Setsubun tunes! In this article, we introduce songs connected to February and children’s songs that are perfect for the harshly cold season.

Many of them can be sung with hand-play motions, so children are sure to enjoy them.

Please make use of them on days when it’s too cold to play outside or during music time.

[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter! (71–80)

Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Pechka Minoru Uchimoto (vocal) / Lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara / Composed and arranged by Koscak Yamada [Record]
Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Pechka, the Russian fireplace and oven.

Watching the fire burn on a cold winter’s day is truly soothing, isn’t it? Here is a song about that pechka.

It was included in the Manchuria Song Collection published in 1924 and was reportedly composed at the request of the South Manchuria Education Association for people emigrating to Manchuria at the time.

Since the winters in Manchuria were said to be very cold, this song must have suited the setting well.

In its final section, although the piece is in a major key, it employs chords from the parallel minor of the same tonic, creating a distinctive atmosphere.

Snow and ChildrenSakkyokusha: Fushō

Snow and Children depicts children wishing for the snow to pile up.

The lyrics were written by children’s literature author Junichi Kobayashi, and it was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta from February to March 1962.

Its sound evokes a vast snowy landscape.

Dividing the singing into separate parts can create an even more majestic choral effect.

It’s a children’s song that lets you feel winter even when you can’t play outside, such as on rainy days.

Why not try singing its clear, translucent melody line, perfect for February when the midwinter cold is at its peak?

In conclusion

Even though there are signs of spring, February is still a cold season; through warm, comforting nursery rhymes and children’s songs, we can nurture rich sensibilities in children’s hearts. Try incorporating seasonal songs into activities at daycare or moments of connection at home. Just humming along can make winter days more enjoyable and memorable. In spaces filled with singing, smiles naturally blossom.