Folklore/Common Names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Polar Plant, Sea Dew
Historical Reference
Rosemary has been associated to strengthening memory for as long as the herb has been noted in recorded history. There are references that the students of Ancient Greece tucked sprigs of Rosemary in their hair to improve their memories and assist their studies, and older Grecians would wear garlands of the herb as well to help ward off 'evil eye'. Rosemary developed a rich symbolism over the many years, and has since become a representation for love, fidelity for lovers, wisdom and remembrance.
Due to the association with remembrance, Rosemary was an integral part of many early funeral practices, carried by the mourners and dropped into the grave as the coffin was lowered. This tradition exists in some parts of Europe to this day.
That same token of remembrance could be found at wedding ceremonies as well, where sprigs of Rosemary were woven into the wreath or circlet worn by the bride. Anne of Cleves reportedly wore such a wreath at her wedding. A gilded and ribboned Rosemary branch was also given to wedding guests, as a symbol of love and loyalty.
Spanish Christians at one time believed Rosemary represented protection and courage of the Virgin Mary. They believed that Rosemary was one of the bushes that sheltered Mary during the flight into Egypt, calling it Romero, the Pilgrim's Flower.
A formula for Hungary Water, dated 1235 and said to be in the handwriting of Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, is preserved in Vienna. It relates a recipe combining flowering Rosemary tops with wine, which she claimed cured her of paralysis of the limbs.
M. Grieve of A Modern Herbal tells us, "There is a tradition that Queen Philippa's mother sent the first plants of Rosemary to England, and in a copy of an old manuscript in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge, the translator, 'danyel bain,' says that Rosemary was unknown in England until this Countess sent some to her daughter."
Folklore tells us that the herb refuses to grow in the gardens of 'evil people'.
There also is a strong association with gender dominance associated to Rosemary, and it was once said where Rosemary grew, the house was ruled by the woman of the family. Rumor had it that some husbands made certain there was no evidence to this end showing in the yard! Clearly there were those who didn't agree, however, as a quote from one minister's sermon in 1607 reads "Speaking of the powers of rosemary, it overtoppeth all the flowers in the garden, boasting man's rule..." It was even a favorite of Sir Thomas More, who wrote "As for Rosmarine, I lett it runne all over my garden walls, not onlie because my bees love it, but because it is the herb sacred to remembrance, and, therefore, to friendship..".
