GUEST,Jyoti_M, since K-I-S-S-I-N-G is a folk rhyme, it probably is impossible to figure out where it came from. The best you might be able to do is find out the earliest publication date such as the information NH Dave provides.

I have different versions of this children's rhyme but no clue as to its earliest publication dates.

My interest is more in how rhymes are used and what they say about the children reciting them. K-I-S-S-I-N-G is often used as a jumprope or handclap rhyme. It is often used as a midly taunting rhyme that is directed at the children named in the verse as KT posted. However, I think that the last line is more often {insert girl's name} "with" a baby carriage. Or at least, "with a baby carriage" makes more sense than "in a baby carriage."

One thing you can say about this rhyme is that is at least girls are being socialized to expect that love & marriage should come before having babies. And that's good.

I'm wondering if an earlier version was {girl's name} and {boy's name} behind a tree. K.I.S.S.I.N.G. [not in a tree].

Maybe it was and maybe it wasn't. I'll have to do some research, and maybe I'll find out some more info. And maybe I won't, but it will be fun doing so.

Best wishes,

Azizi