Who We Are
Cultures across the world have long invented songs, poems, and "nursery rhymes" as ways to teach their children. In 18th century Europe, these nursery rhymes were synonymous with Mother Goose, an imaginary author who would mask darker tales in sing-song verses for children. So as not to traumatize, stories of bloody wars, political tyrants, and religious persecution were spun with clever lyrics about animals and fantastical characters. In an homage to Mother Goose, Perversery Rhymes are seemingly childish rhymes about political controversies and shady figures of our time. Some material may not be suitable for children. For more information on the Mother Goose poems that inspired us, please check out "The Dark Side of Nursery Rhymes" by Clemency Burton-Hill.
Go to www.mentalfloss.com for more details of the following rhymes:
Baa Baa Black Sheep 1731 A tax levied on wool
Goosey Goosey Gander 1784 Catholic priests hiding from religious persecution.
Jack and Jill 1765 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
Mary Mary Quite Contrary 1744 Queen Mary I of England (1553 - 1558) A Catholic who executed hundreds of protestants.
Three Blind Mice 1805 Three protestant bishops who conspired to overthrow Queen Mary I.
Ring around the Rosie 1881 The Great Plague of London
Go to www.historic-uk.com for more details of the following rhymes:
Georgie Porgie 1850 King George IV
Pop goes the weasel 1850 The working poor in England
Go to www.education.com for more details of the following rhymes:
Little Jack Horner 1764 A steward who embezzled from the Abbot of Glastonbury
Please read The Dark Side of Nursery Rhymes from www.bbc.com for more information on the origins of Mother Goose which inspired us.