A Brief History of “Incy Wincy Spider”

“Incy Wincy Spider” is a traditional nursery rhyme from the early 1900s, popular in the UK, Australia, and beyond. It tells the story of a small spider who climbs up a waterspout, gets washed down by rain, and bravely climbs back up again when the sun comes out.

The rhyme is often sung with hand gestures, making it a favorite for early learning and play. Its gentle rhythm and simple message — about resilience and trying again — have helped generations of children explore language, movement, and emotional growth in a safe, joyful way.