The first part of this series was posted almost a year ago, and you can find it here. I know I have promised everyone a post on naming conventions from around the world, but that will have to wait until I am no longer being swamped by work. (It’s that time again, and by that time I mean I have an International Relations essay due on Monday that’s only half done, and a Persian assignment due next week. Can you feel my panic through the internet?) There will hopefully be a brief respite after next week, as all my assignments will be in and there will still be another few weeks before exams start. I’m also hoping to do a series on translation, as the university library has some great resources on it, but that will probably have to wait until February. (I won’t have access to the library during January because of winter break.) But now I’ve been rambling when you came here for herbs. Onwards!
Parsley: Parsley comes from a merger of Old English petersilie with Old French peresil. Both came through Latin from a Greek root, petroselinon, meaning “rock-celery.” In Ancient Greece, parsley was associated with death and was used to decorate tombs, while in Ancient Rome, it was used to freshen breath after meals and was often put on the plate alongside the food, hence its modern use as a decorative garnish. Uprooting parsley is said to bring bad luck, probably because it does not transplant well and trying to move the plant generally kills it.
Rosemary: Rosemary actually has no affiliation with the name Mary. It comes from Latin rosemarinius, meaning “dew of the sea”. The plant is traditionally associated with good luck and protection and has been used by a variety of cultures as a way of warding off evil or purifying a place. It is also associated with memory, and bathing in rosemary supposedly makes you more memorable.
Anise: A plant that I have never actually used, mostly because my mother refuses to grow it as she hates the smell, anise is a licorice-y sort of plant that resembles the top of a carrot. Anise comes from Latin anisum. The scent is said to create feelings of lust, though I think this would only happen if you really liked licorice.
Basil: Basil came to us through French and Latin. It is ultimately from a Greek root meaning “king,” and the plant is believed to have been used in royal perfumes. The plant’s scientific name, basilicum, is actually from the same root as “basilisk” and the plant was believed to be an antidote to the snake’s venom. Basil is said to aid you in both physical journeys and astral projection, if that’s your thing.
Chamomile: The dictionary I use says “chamomile” is an archaic spelling, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it spelled without the “h”. To anyone who has read my fruit etymology post, we’re about to re-encounter an old friend. That’s right, chamomile comes from Greek chamaimelon, literally meaning “earth-apple.” Everything is apples. Even things that are not fruit, apparently. Chamomile is known for its calming effects and is often used in “relaxation” teas.
As always, herb meanings and uses are from witchipedia. If you’re into witchcraft, you should check it out. It seems to have a lot of useful information. (I don’t know how accurate it is, given that all my knowledge of modern witchcraft comes from the occasional wikipedia odyssey or from asking one of my friends who practices.)
