Nursery Rhyme Mysteries

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The origins of Mother Goose nursery rhymes are largely forgotten. Most are taken from real life. In this edition of the Passing Parade, the real life situations of some of these nursery rhymes are presented. "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" is actually based on Mary, Queen of Scots, whose French upbringing and resulting ways were contrary to those of her Scottish subjects, which led to her demise. "Sing a Song of Sixpence" is a more figurative telling of a story concerning Henry VIII. And the innocent sounding "Hush-a-By-Baby" is based on the public's secret desire for hated dictatorial ruler, James II, to die without an heir so that the throne would be forfeited to a new family led by William and Mary, and the actions they took when they believed James was pulling a fast one on them.