Nursery rhymes didn't start out as entertainment for children, they originally were used to send messages among the masses and at times to reveal what evil the ruling class was up to. For instance, "Pop Goes the Weasel" was about having to sell your fur coat when financial times were rough. Weasel referred to fur coats in the 19th century. "Baa Baa Black Sheep" had to do with taxes, in the 13th century King Edward I of England imposed a "sheep tax" requiring a portion of all wool be given to the monarchy. 3 blind mice represent the three protestant bishops who were executed under the reign of Queen Mary I of England for their rejection of Catholicism.
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