11/23/2024
What is the Significance of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme? Do we know the meaning behind the words? Herbs were much more than seasonings for food in medieval times and it is an interesting journey back to the time, to find the answers.
Scarborough Faire was an actual agricultural and crafts fair, which originated in Medieval England in the mid 1200's. Merchants from all over Europe, Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire traded and sold their goods at the 45-day event. Just as in modern times, there were food vendors, entertainment and curious pleasure-seekers. Fairs and harvest celebrations are a part of every culture and are as much a part of modern life as they were at the dawn of recorded history.
These plants have specific meanings that tell a deeper story than what is on the surface. This was a time when flowers and herbs were significant in the lives of medieval folk and they believed that they contained mystical properties that could influence emotions and feelings.
Many people view parsley (Petroselinum crispum) as that sprig of green at the side of their plate when served a meal in a restaurant. Historically, parsley was thought to aid digestion and this custom of eating a few leaves with one's meal was thought to promote well-being. Parsley was thought to remove bitterness and although medieval herbalists recommended it for a sour stomach, it was also thought to remove bad or bitter emotions.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) was a symbol of strength and wisdom according to Celtic tradition and was even associated with immortality. Today, most of us only think of sage when we start to stuff the Thanksgiving turkey, but it was used medicinally long before it became a modern seasoning. Sage has drying properties and was used to treat chest congestion and its antiseptic compounds were used to bind wounds and treat snakebite.
Rosemary (Rosmarinius officinalis) is also a modern culinary herb with ancient meanings beyond its seasoning properties. It is associated with love and fidelity, often used in Medieval times as part of a wedding bouquet or strewn on church floors during the nuptials. The strong scent lingers, so it was given as a token of remembrance between lovers.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a number of healing or medicinal properties and has been used for thousands of years to bind wounds and as an antiseptic. It was also a sign of love and courage. Greeks believed that thyme could reverse sad or melancholy feelings and it was sometimes used to boost confidence in stressful situations.
Although Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme was recorded as a popular song, the tune and lyrics, in several incarnations have been around since the Middle Ages. It is an interesting journey into the past, and now you know the 'rest of the story'.
