Joshua Bennett
The Hokey Pokey, or the Hokey Cokey in Great Britain, is a popular children's song and dance number. However, some Scottish Catholics have called for it to be banned, believing it to be anti-Catholic. The debate stems from the song's origins, with critics claiming that it was composed by Puritans in the 18th century to mock the actions and language of Catholic priests during the Latin mass. The song's lyrics and dance movements are said to parody the words of consecration Hoc est enim corpus meum (This is my body), spoken during the transubstantiation of the wafer, which symbolises the body of Jesus. Despite these claims, the idea of the Hokey Pokey as an anti-Catholic song has been ridiculed and deemed an urban legend by many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The song is said to have originated in the 18th century by Puritans as a mockery of the Catholic Mass. |
| Lyrics | The lyrics are claimed to be a parody of the Latin phrase "Hoc est enim corpus meum" ("This is my body"), used by Catholic priests during transubstantiation. |
| Dance Moves | The dance moves are believed to mimic the actions of priests during the Latin Mass. |
| Regional Variations | The song is known as "Hokey Pokey" in North America and "Hokey Cokey" in Great Britain. |
| Cultural Significance | Some Scottish Catholics and politicians have urged for its restriction due to its anti-Catholic sentiments. |
| Public Perception | The song is considered by some Catholics as an anti-Papist expression of sectarian hatred, while others find the notion humorous and ridiculous. |
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What You'll Learn
The Hokey Pokey's lyrics are said to mock the Latin Mass
The Hokey Pokey, or the Hokey Cokey as it is known in Great Britain, is a popular children's song and dance. However, some have claimed that the song's lyrics and movements mock the Latin Mass, a sacred part of the Catholic religious service.
The controversy surrounding the Hokey Pokey stems from its alleged origins. Some critics, including a spokesman for the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, Peter Kearney, have claimed that the song was devised by Puritans in the 18th century to parody and ridicule the actions and language of priests during the Latin Mass. Specifically, they argue that the song's lyrics mock the phrase ""Hoc est enim corpus meum" or "This is my body", which is spoken by priests during the consecration of the wafer that symbolises the body of Jesus. This phrase has also been suggested as the origin of the magician's phrase "hocus pocus".
The dance movements of the Hokey Pokey have also been interpreted as a parody of the traditional Catholic Latin Mass. In response to these claims, some have pointed out that the song existed and was published decades before its supposed composition in the 1940s. Additionally, relatives of those involved in the song's creation have denied any connection to the Mass or an imitation of it.
While some find the idea of the Hokey Pokey being anti-Catholic humorous, others take it more seriously. There have been calls for the song to be banned as an expression of anti-Catholic prejudice, and politicians have even urged police to arrest anyone using the song to "taunt" Catholics under legislation preventing incitement to religious hatred. However, the effectiveness of such legislation is questionable, as seen in the case of rival football fans from Glasgow's Celtic and Rangers, who joined together to sing the song despite their religious differences.
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The song's dance moves are believed to parody the Catholic Mass
The Hokey Pokey, or the Hokey Cokey, is a popular song and dance that has been a part of many cultures for decades. However, the song has also been the subject of controversy, with some claiming that it is anti-Catholic.
The debate surrounding the Hokey Pokey's anti-Catholic sentiments centres around the belief that the song's dance moves and lyrics parody the Catholic Mass. Specifically, critics argue that the song mocks the actions and language of priests during the Latin Mass. The dance moves are said to imitate the priests' seemingly strange movements during the consecration, while the lyrics are thought to parody the Latin phrase "Hoc est enim corpus meum", which means "This is my body". This phrase is used by Catholic priests during the transubstantiation, a crucial moment in the Mass when the bread and wine are believed to be transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
The origins of the Hokey Pokey are disputed, with some claiming that it was created by Puritans in the 18th century as a parody of the Catholic Mass. For example, Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, stated that the song has "disturbing origins" and was devised as an attack on and a parody of the Catholic mass. However, others dispute this claim, arguing that the song's melody and lyrics are unlikely to date back to the 18th century and that the idea of the song being used as a sinister attack on Catholics seems far-fetched.
The controversy surrounding the Hokey Pokey has led to calls for action against those using the song to taunt Catholics. In 2008, Scottish politician Michael Matheson urged police to take action against individuals using the song to taunt Catholics under legislation preventing incitement to religious hatred. However, the song has also been defended by those who find the idea of it being anti-Catholic ridiculous and laughable.
While the Hokey Pokey may have become a source of debate and controversy, it is important to approach these claims with a critical eye. The idea that a children's song is anti-Catholic propaganda may seem sensational and unlikely, especially given the lighthearted and cheerful nature typically associated with the song.
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The song's origins are rumoured to be anti-Catholic
The origins of the song "Hokey Pokey" are rumoured to be anti-Catholic. Some sources claim that the song was composed by Puritans in the 18th century to mock the actions and language of Catholic priests during the Latin mass. The song is said to be a parody of the phrase "Hoc est enim corpus meum" or "This is my body", which is used during the transubstantiation of the wafer, symbolizing the body of Jesus. This theory has been deemed ridiculous by some, who find it hard to believe that a silly song could be a sinister attack on Catholics.
The anti-Catholic interpretation of the song has sparked controversy, with some Scottish Catholics calling for it to be banned as an expression of anti-Catholic prejudice. Politicians have even urged police to arrest individuals who use the song to "taunt" Catholics under legislation preventing incitement to religious hatred. However, others have dismissed these claims, finding it difficult to believe that the song could be interpreted as anything other than innocuous.
The song's title, "Hokey Pokey", is said to have originated from an ice cream vendor's call of "Hokey Pokey penny a lump. Have a lick make you jump", which the songwriter associated with something cheerful. The original title was "The Hokey Cokey", but it was changed when it was pointed out that 'cokey' was UK slang for 'crazy'. This change was suggested by a Canadian officer who thought it sounded better, and denied any connection to the Catholic Church.
Despite the disturbing origins suggested by some, the song has become a widespread cultural phenomenon, with many adaptations and performances by various artists. It is often used in an innocuous and lighthearted manner, and some find it difficult to take the anti-Catholic conspiracy seriously.
While the anti-Catholic theory has gained some traction, it is important to consider that the song may have been created without any malicious intent. The idea that the song is inherently anti-Catholic remains a matter of speculation and interpretation, and there is no definitive proof to support these claims.
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The song's title may be derived from an ice cream vendor's chant
The "Hokey Pokey" is a popular song and dance that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1940s. It is also known as the "Hokey Cokey", especially in the UK and Australia, and has had different variations over the years. The song and dance are often performed at weddings and social gatherings, and involve participants following instructions given in the lyrics to move their bodies in a particular way.
The term "hokey pokey" may have originated from ice cream vendors' chants or sales pitches. In the 1930s, ice cream vendors in Liverpool, mostly of Italian descent, used a sales pitch with the phrase "Hokey pokey penny a lump, that's the stuff to make ye jump". The term likely has multiple origins and one theory suggests that it is derived from the expression "hocus-pocus". In New Zealand, "hokey pokey" may have originated from the Italian phrase "oh che poco", which means "oh how little". Other possible derivations include Italian phrases like "ecco un poco", which means "here is a (little) piece".
The "Hokey Pokey" dance and song became popular in the United States in the 1950s, introduced by British soldiers during World War II. It was also performed by the "Ram Trio" at the Sun Valley resort in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and they made a recording of the song in 1950. The song and dance have had different names and variations over the years, but the joyful and participatory nature of the "Hokey Pokey" has made it a lasting favourite at social gatherings.
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The song was created to lift people's spirits during World War II
The "Hokey Pokey" song, also known as the "Hokey Cokey", has been a subject of controversy among Catholics, with some claiming that it was created to mock the Catholic mass and ridicule the Latin mass. However, others dispute this origin story, and one source suggests that the song was created during World War II to lift people's spirits.
According to this source, during World War II when Nazi Germany was bombarding London, a Canadian officer suggested to Al Tabor, a British bandleader, that he write a cheerful party song with moves similar to "Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree". The title "Hokey Pokey" was inspired by an ice cream vendor whom Tabor had heard as a boy, calling out "Hokey Pokey penny a lump. Have a lick make you jump". Tabor wanted to use the phrase 'hokey pokey' because he associated it with something cheerful. The officer suggested changing 'pokey' to 'cokey', which meant 'crazy' in Canada, as it sounded better. Thus, the song was created with the intention of lifting people's spirits during a difficult time.
While some critics claim that the song was composed in the 18th century by Puritans to mock the actions and language of priests during the Latin mass, this theory has been met with skepticism. The song's connection to the mass has been disputed, and relatives of Tabor have denied any intentional imitation or connection to the mass. Additionally, it has been noted that the song existed and was published before its supposed composition in the 1940s.
The debate around the "Hokey Pokey" song highlights the different interpretations and origins attributed to it. While some see it as a harmless and cheerful party song, others view it as a parody or mockery of Catholic rituals. Ultimately, the song's impact and perception vary among individuals and cultural contexts.
In conclusion, while the "Hokey Pokey" song has been associated with anti-Catholic sentiments by some, the claim that it was created during World War II to lift people's spirits offers a different perspective on its origins and intentions. The cheerful and uplifting nature of the song, as intended by Al Tabor, has brought joy to many, regardless of its religious implications.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hokey Pokey is a song and dance that involves moving different parts of your body in and out of a circle.
Some people, particularly Scottish Catholics, believe that the song and dance are anti-Catholic and were devised by Puritans in the 18th century to mock the actions and language of priests during the Latin Mass.
The phrase "Hokey Pokey" is said to be a parody of the Latin phrase "Hoc est enim corpus meum" or "This is my body," which is used during the consecration of the wafer in the Catholic Mass.
Responses have varied. Some people find the idea ridiculous and laughable, while others have urged police action against those who use the song and dance to taunt Catholics. There have also been calls to ban the Hokey Pokey as an expression of anti-Catholic prejudice.
One theory suggests that the song was written by a British bandleader, Al Tabor, during World War II as a cheerful party song with moves similar to "Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree." The phrase "Hokey Pokey" is said to have come from an ice cream vendor's call that Tabor heard as a boy.
