It can mean:
- You are remembering or feel close to an ancestor or loved one who has passed,
- You are forgetting something important, and the rosemary is your guide to remembering,
- You have remembered who you are and what your purpose is in life (rosemary also symbolizes faith).
Full Answer
Why do we use rosemary as a memorial flower?
Since ancient times, the aromatic herb rosemary has been believed to improve your memory. It's an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. So it's a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who died.
What does Rosemary mean to you?
“There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray you, love, remember” is the famous line spoken by Ophelia during Hamlet and rosemary has long been associated with memories of the departed. It was used historically in ancient Rome at funerals.
Why do people carry Rosemary out of the church?
There’s strong symbolism – carrying rosemary, the herb of remembrance, out of the chapel is a visual reminder that they carry with them memories of the person who has died. And people instinctively create an olfactory memory as well – they almost always smell the rosemary as they take it.
Why do people wear rosemary in their hair?
Greek scholars wore rosemary in their hair to help remember their studies, and the association with remembrance has carried through to modern times. In literature and folklore it is an emblem of remembrance.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.)
Rosemary is famous for the line in Shakespeare’s Hamlet where Ophelia says, “Rosemary is for remembrance.” Rosemary has been used for centuries for minor memory problems. [1]
Periwinkle Vinca minor (L.)
When I think of periwinkle V. minor, I am reminded of the little, delicate blue flowers on fine china and tea ware. But periwinkle has many other uses besides decorating dishes.
Gingko Ginkgo biloba (L.)
The gingko tree is an ancient tree that has been used from earliest times to enhance brain function. It is one of the best-selling herbs in the U.S. and is widely used in Europe for dementia. Some doctor’s think that gingko G. biloba enhances blood flow to the brain, thereby enhancing memory. [5]
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica (L.) Urb
Despite its name, gotu kola C. asiatica has nothing to do with the cola used in soft drinks. But, it has been used for memory enhancement in Ayuervedic medicine for hundreds of years. In the book The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World’s Oldest Healing System, by K.P.
Sage Oil Salvia officinalis (L.)
Sage is used extensively in cooking. It reminds me of the dressing we make when we stuff a turkey or a seasoning for lentils.
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Why do people wear rosemary wreaths?
Rosemary is also associated with enhancing memory and recall. Scholars of ancient Greece wore wreaths of rosemary about the brow to help improve recall while taking exams. This reputation has earned the herb a place among traditional wedding herbs used to grace the bride’s bouquet, headpiece, and dress—in effort to further memorialize the weighty occasion.
Why is rosemary used in incense?
It was also burned in the house to keep the black plague from entering. Perhaps this association with protection is why rosemary is still a common ingredient in incense used to cleanse sacred spaces . It was also thought to promote prosperity. In fact, 16th century merchants would often hire perfumers to infuse their shops with spirits of rosemary. The herb was also a popular addition to nosegays, wreaths, and other floral displays to encourage happiness of home and hearth.
Where did rosemary get its name?
Rosemary takes its name from the Latin ros maris, which means “dew of the sea.” This is likely in reference to the herb’s preference for growing at low altittudes (albeit not necessarily along the coasts) of its indigenous domain. The name was combined in Middle English to rosmarine .
There are many plants which evoke precious memories
I suggest that many herb, plants and flowers, with their powerful scents and natural beauty can evoke precious memories. You may remember times that you picked roses for your mother, grew sweet peas with your grandfather or simply took a walk with a friend and saw the bluebells.
Beauty of Bath Apples
When Mrs Pilbrow’s daughter brought me in some Beauty of Bath apples from the tree in her garden it was a poignant moment. Mrs Pilbrow had supported us from when we first set up our nursery nearly 20 years ago.
As the years pass we all get older
Of course, as years pass, so we all get older. Our children, once in the pram, are at high school and college. For Mrs Pilbrow it was her husband who struggled with his health first and, as it was him who brought her in the car, she called at the nursery less and less. Once he passed away she missed him terribly.
Hostas
Another person I have been so privileged to know is Richard Ford. Although I knew him only as ‘The Hosta Man’ for years. He and his wife used to pop into the nursery. Those were the days when Paul and I would be working all hours in our 8ft x 10ft potting shed together as we potted, weeded and pruned.
Kindness and Modesty
The ‘Hosta man’ was not only kind but also very modest. He mentioned, in passing, how he and his wife had had a nursery and how they had grown hostas before they retired. He empathised with how hard we were working and laughed about having the children around us while we worked. He reminisced about their own children growing up on their nursery.
Parting Gift
The last time I saw Richard we had a cup of tea together at the nursery and he gave me the book he had written about Hostas. It is a treasure on my bookshelf. He was unwell and I think we both knew it was a parting gift. Every time I look at a hosta of any sort I think of him.
Holding people in our hearts and minds
The joy of meeting someone like this is that you pass the time of day, share ups and downs and there is no agenda, no judgement, no sense of responsibility. There are just a few moments from time to time. As the years pass you become close without even being aware of it.
Why is rosemary important?
Since ancient times, the aromatic herb rosemary has been believed to improve your memory. It's an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. So it's a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who died. Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where many Australians served in World War I.
What does rosemary mean?
What it means to us today. Engage more with this topic. Rosemary is an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. The aromatic herb grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where the original Anzacs served in World War I. Australians traditionally wear sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day.
What does rosemary mean in Australia?
What it means to us today. Wearing rosemary has become a traditional symbol of remembrance and commemoration in Australia. On special days of commemoration, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, Australians often wear a small sprig of rosemary. Usually, it's pinned onto a coat lapel, near to the heart, or held in place by medals.
Why do Australians wear rosemary on Anzac Day?
Many Australian soldiers died there during World War I. This symbolic herb is often worn on Anzac Day to help us remember Australians who served and died in wars.
Where does rosemary grow?
Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where many Australians served in World War I. In the 1980s, cuttings of plants from Gallipoli were planted in nurseries throughout Australia to support Avenues of Honour.
