In the Spring I presented a garden theme idea of a Garden of
Mary. Now on the Feast of the Assumption
of Mary, which was first celebrated in 529 AD, I thought we could learn a few more
plants whose names were changed to Honor Mary.
Marjoram was Mother of God's Flower.
Sage was Mary's shawl.
Our Lady's Herbs
Spearmint was known as Our Lady's
Mint.
Marjoram was Mother of God's Flower. 
Bee balm and lemon balm were both
called Sweet Mary.
 |
| Lemon Balm |
Catnip was Mary's Nettle.
Sage was Mary's shawl.
Dandelion was known as Mary's Bitter
Sorrow.
A group of herbs became known as Manger Herbs because they made a bed for the
Infant Jesus when he was born.
 |
| Sweet Woodruff |
·
Sweet woodruff and
yellow bedstraw were called Our Lady's Bedstraw
·
creeping thyme was
Mary's Bedstraw.
·
Mints and pennyroyal
were also said to have been used in the manger.
This information came
from a hard to locate book entitled Mary’s
Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Meditations, by Vincenzina Krymow.
I have never been able
to locate this book, but I have read excepts and paraphrases of it
from other blogs and articles. If anyone knows where I can get
a copy, please let me know. My library, normally the best at
locating the obscure and rare, has been unable to obtain a copy real
or digital.
Great collection. I think the Madonna lily is traditionally one of her flowers too.
ReplyDeleteThis post was well timed as I just finished reading The Birth House by Ami Mckay. A young midwife in this book was learning all about healing from a well experienced midwife who drew about Mary's strength in all her potions and remedies. Very interesting fiction book; you might find the herbal portion of the book very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a book I need to read. Thank you very much for suggesting it!
ReplyDelete