One explanation of the nursery rhyme is that it refers to Mary I of Scotland (Mary Queen of Scots), with "how does your garden grow" referring to her reign, "silver bells" referring to (Catholic) cathedral bells, "cockle shells" insinuating that her husband cheated on her, and "pretty maids all in a row" referring to her ladies-in-waiting - "The four Maries".
Silver bells and cockleshells.
The title of the nursery rhyme is "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary." It is a traditional English nursery rhyme that describes a garden with various elements like silver bells, cockleshells, and pretty maids.
In the nursery rhyme 'Mary Mary quite contrary',' which was written about 'Bloody' Mary, cockleshells are used to represent the fact that her husband (Prince Philip of Spain) has cheated on her many times, which in them days was called Cuckolding.
The original title was Mistress Mary, a reference to the nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary."
In the nursery rhyme "Mary Mary Quite Contrary," the garden is famously filled with "silver bells and cockle shells." These whimsical elements contribute to the rhyme's playful imagery, though they are not specific plants. The rhyme suggests an enchanting and somewhat mysterious garden that reflects Mary’s character and her unconventional approach to gardening.
The nursery rhyme “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” is believed to have been first published in the 18th century, with some sources suggesting it dates back to the 17th century. The exact origins of the rhyme are unclear, but it has remained popular through the centuries.
The rhyme "Mary Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?" is asking about the state of Mary's garden. It's commonly associated with the character of Mary I of England, known for her violent suppression of Protestantism. The origin of the nursery rhyme is uncertain, but it may refer to her reign and turbulent times.
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary is a nursery rhyme that says Mary's garden grows with silver bells and cockle shells, as well as pretty maids all in a row.
The nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" is about a girl named Mary who tends to her garden. The rhyme describes various elements of her garden, like silver bells, cockleshells, and pretty maids all in a row. It's a whimsical way of depicting a bountiful and well-kept garden.
Basil chants "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary" in The Secret Garden as a way to playfully tease Mary Lennox about her name. The chant emphasizes the contrast between Mary's stern demeanor and the whimsical nursery rhyme, highlighting her transformation throughout the story. It also serves as a memorable and lighthearted moment in the novel.
The nursery rhyme with the initials MPHAD is "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
The nursery Rhyme is the harmless ( Mary, Mary, Quite contrary) and deserves no further comment. Yes it was poking fun at Queen Mary I, or Bloody Mary. There was a sort of folk song from the play South Pacific called Bloody Mary, no connection with the British monarch. On the other hand there was a sick joke in the early fifties- that went Mary, Mary, Quite contrary, Have a whiff of Chloroform! ( as a euthanasia agent) it is somewhat historically interesting that Queen Mary III died on March 25, l953 or thereabouts as Elizabeth I departed on March 25 l603. Too coincidental?