ocymum
minimum
Mars and Scorpio
Funereal Herb
Greene Herb
Herb of Love
AKA
Devil Plant
LORE
Bush basil is associated with death in cultures
as diverse as Iran and the Phillipines and is often
planted at grave sites.
In Egypt the flowers are
gathered and strewn upon the grave site.
Grieve writes about a very different perspective
among the ancient Greeks who believed that it
represented hate and misfortune.
They painted poverty as a ragged woman
with basil at her side, and thought the plant
would not grow unless railing and abuse
were poured forth at the time of sowing.
The Romans, in like manner,
believed that the more it was abused,
the better it would prosper.
Beliefs about basil can be passionate.
At the other end of the emotional spectrum,
we can consider the Moldavian custom
Mrs. Grieve has recorded in her herbal.
'In this culture, a fresh cutting of basil
is associated with betrothal.
It is, similarly, associated with love and romance
in some parts of rural Italy,
where it is considered an emblem of love and romance.'
The inhabitants of Crete combined the beliefs
both of romance and misfortune.
Grieve writes that they call it "love washed with tears."
(symbolizes) and in some parts of Italy it is a love-token.
A custom which once existed would be a modern blessing
to many if it resurrected: that of giving one's guests
a small pot of basil.
USE
Source(s)
9/28/2002
Cin
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