What, if anything, is the meaning of 'peter pumpkin eater'?

Question

The rhyme came from U.S. No 'middle ages' here! And no chastity belts, so far as I know. Wonder if there is any literary or political meaning involved here, as in many of the English nursery rhymes.

Answer 1

doesn't mean anything. It just sounds like something you'd say to a child named Peter.

Answer 2

Interesting question, but I'm inclined to think that it survives because of the nonsense rhyming and alliteration that children sense and love so well - bless their little hearts.

Answer 3

Yeah, no one seems to know this one...it could come from someone that killed his wife after she cheated on him, but it seems really debatable.

If he killed her, why would he chop her up and put her inside his pumpkins?  Seems a little farfetched.

Answer 4

Couldn't it just be a fun rhyme?

Answer 5

i think the person was high when they wrote it.... honestly....lol