The Weird Origins Of Beloved Nursery Rhymes Have Many Rethinking Their Childhoods

Admit it, there is something a little creepy about a chorus of toddlers chanting a nonsensical nursery rhyme. Behind most of these songs, there's a hundred years of history that we routinely ignore. But finally, the veil of wholesomeness has been lifted, and you can think twice about humming these catchy tunes when you find out their dark origins.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Vivid images of a sweet gardener pruning rose bushes swim in your mind when mulling over these lyrics. But the Mary in question was far more sinister than a horticulture enthusiast.

Bloody Mary

Mary I of England, otherwise known as "Bloody Mary," was given the gruesome nickname due to her ruthless persecution of Protestants. In the rhyme, the "cockleshells" and "silver bells" refer to instruments of torture. Not so kid friendly!

Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush

Kids on the playground skipping in circles to the rhythm of the rhyme usually don't know they're singing a tune coined by the female inmates of England's Wakefield Prison.

Prison Laps

Circling laps around the mulberry bush was the daily exercise routine for prisoners. In fact, the bush in question still exists and can be spotted on the grounds of Wakefield. Running around it might not be the best idea if you're there for a visit.