Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary is an English with no clear origins and meaning that was first published in the mid 18th century. Some believe the rhyme is a allegory of Catholicism, while others believe it is a reference to Mary, Queen of Scots or Mary 1 of England. The most common form of the rhyme is: “Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, And pretty maids all in a row.”