Like most Old World herbs, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has
been a mainstay of cooks and apothecaries throughout history
and, like most herbs, it has been bestowed mythical powers. In
particular, the plant’s strong resinous scent led early Romans
and Greeks to believe that this Mediterranean herb was a
powerful memory booster. Rosemary eventually grew into a symbol
of love and fidelity, and brides and grooms wore crowns of
rosemary’s needlelike stems to make sure they would not forget
their vows. Even today, many Greek brides tuck sprigs of
rosemary in their bouquets, and students often keep a sprig of
rosemary close by while studying for exams. Rosemary also played
an important role in death. In Athens and Rome, rosemary sprigs
were placed on coffins and in the hands of the deceased. Bushes
were also grown around tombs, all this as a sign that departed
relatives would not be forgotten. The custom carried on to Great
Britain, and mourners in Wales still place stems of rosemary in
the hands of their dead.