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Kniereitvers (a verse for riding on knees)
editA 'Kniereitvers' is a verse that is recited while two people play. Usually an older person plays with a younger one (mostly a child), whereas the child sits on the older person's lap.
In the German language the following 'Kniereitvers' is most popular:
Hop hop rider, when he falls then he will cry,
If he falls into the ditch, the crows will eat him.
If he falls into the swamp the rider will go plop!
You will find verses that have one or more lines added, for example:
Hop hop rider, when he falls then he will cry.
If he falls into the ditch, the crows will eat him.
If he falls into the hedge, the snails will eat him.
If he falls into the green grass, he will get wet.
If he falls into the water, he will get even wetter.
If he falls onto the stones, his legs will hurt.
If he falls into the swamp, the rider will go plop
You will also find versions in different dialects, depending on the area in Germany.
While playing and reciting the verses, the child sits on a parent's knees/lap facing the parent. The parent moves the knees up and down, copying riding a horse. The parent holds on to the child's hands copying holding reigns. When it comes to the part where the parent says "the rider will go plop" the parent opens the legs/knees so that the child slips down towards the floor while holding hands the entire time. The parent will then pull the child back onto the lap.
This litle acting game is a lot of fun for the child, anticipating the 'fall' from the 'horse' and being saved by the parent, staying safe and sound. [1]
- ^ "Kniereitvers". Wikipedia (in German). 2016-01-16.