The Herbs of Christmas

By Madeline Wajda
Willow Pond Farm Herbs & Everlastings

Herbs have been associated with the Christmas season since Jesus’s birth in the manger. According to legend, the manger was filled with various herbs including bedstraw, pennyroyal, and horehound.

Bedstraw was a common cattle fodder in the Mediterranean region 2,000 years ago and could be expected to be found in a manger. Pennyroyal and horehound both added a sweet scent to the bed and served to ward off insects. One legend tells us that before the birth of Christ, bedstraw had a white flower. Afterwards the flower changed to a deep gold color in recognition of the herb’s role in cradling the Savior.

Lavender and rosemary are associated with the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. Mary is said to have spread her cloak on them while resting on the journey. As a result, lavender was given its wonderful fragrance and the rosemary’s blossoms changed color from white to blue. Rosemary remains the herbal symbol of love, loyalty, and remembrance. Having a rosemary plant in your house on Christmas Eve is supposed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Rue, a symbol of virginity and dedication, is typically connected in Sweden with Santa Lucia Day, December 13, when it is woven into the garlands crowning young ladies. In Greece, a cross wrapped in a basil garland was used by priests to expel evil from of a house during the Christmas season. Thyme symbolizes the bravery of the Christ child. Santolina, the herb of fair linen, symbolizes swaddling cloth.