What is the flower language and legend of rosemary?
Rosemary is also known as dew of the sea, tansy, etc. It is a shrub plant of the genus Rosmarinus in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe and the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. In southern Europe it is mainly cultivated as an economic crop. It was introduced to China during the Cao Wei period, and is now mainly grown in most parts of the south and the Shandong region. Let's take a look at rosemary's flower language and legends together!
Rosemary's Flower Language
1. Remembrance: Rosemary is defined as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, and its flower language is remembrance, wiping away the sorrow of memories. I will not forget the promise you gave me. Please keep your love for me forever, miss me, and think of me.
2. Commemoration: Italians would throw small sprigs of rosemary into the grave of the deceased at funeral ceremonies, representing respect and remembrance for the deceased. In Victorian England, rosemary's flower language had the meaning of commemoration, symbolizing lasting love, unwavering friendship and eternal remembrance.
Legends of Rosemary
1. Legend has it that rosemary's flowers were originally white. On the way when the Virgin Mary took the infant Jesus to flee to Egypt, the Virgin once hung her cloak on a rosemary tree, and from then on rosemary's flowers turned blue.
2. Rosemary's scent was bestowed by Jesus. When Jesus, along with the Virgin Mary, was on the road fleeing from Judea to Egypt, he once draped his clothes over rosemary, so it gained a noble fragrant aura and possessed divine power, and was planted all around churches.
3. It is said that when Jesus was on the way fleeing from Judea to Egypt from King Herod, he once hung his washed clothes on a rosemary bush, and Jesus' power was bestowed upon rosemary. Just as Chinese people hang mugwort on their doors during the Dragon Boat Festival to ward off evil and seek good fortune, Westerners also hang rosemary at Halloween, and believers regard it as a sacred offering.
The Value of Rosemary
1. Industrial: Rosemary is a precious natural aromatic plant. During the growing season it emits a fresh fragrance and has the effect of refreshing the mind and invigorating the spirit. Its stems, leaves and flowers have a pleasant scent. The aromatic oil extracted from its flowers and tender branches can be used to blend air fresheners, perfumes, soaps and other cosmetic ingredients. The most famous toner is made with rosemary, and it can also be used in beverages, skincare oils, hair growth agents and laundry paste.
2. Medicinal: Rosemary has calming and mind-clearing effects, and has a certain therapeutic effect on indigestion and stomach pain. It is mostly crushed and soaked in boiling water before drinking, 2 to 3 times a day, which can produce sedative and diuretic effects. It can also be used to treat insomnia, palpitations, headaches, indigestion and many other conditions. For external use it can treat trauma and arthritis, and it also has effects such as strengthening the heart, promoting metabolism and promoting blood circulation in peripheral blood vessels.
3. Culinary: Rosemary has a relatively strong astringent effect, regulates oily skin, promotes blood circulation, stimulates hair regrowth and improves hair loss (pregnant women should not consume it). In Western cuisine, rosemary is a commonly used spice, especially often used in dishes such as steak and potatoes as well as baked goods. It has a clear, sweet aroma and flavor with a pine-wood scent, a rich fragrance, and a sweet taste with a bitter note.