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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)

frost pillarswarabeuta

Finger plays for February. A nursery rhyme, “Shimobashira” (Frost Pillars).
frost pillarswarabeuta

In the cold winter season, you sometimes see columns of frost forming on the ground.

Touching them or stepping on them—there are many ways to enjoy this winter-only phenomenon.

This is a gentle hand-play song that depicts frost columns you can only see in winter.

The shape of needle-like ice gathered into bundles is expressed by layering your fingers in time with the song.

It then unfolds into a scene where the frost columns topple under the sun’s rays, conveying a touch of sadness.

The actions are simple—just opening your layered fingers—and it’s recommended to do it after you’ve actually encountered frost columns, as a way to recall the experience.

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.

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.