Willow Pond Farm: The Herbs of Christmas

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The Herbs of Christmas

By Tom Wajda
Willow Pond Farm Herbs & Everlastings

Old customs and legends have connected many herbs with Christmas and make them especially appropriate for the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Rosemary—For remembrance, of course, and long associated with Mary.

Thyme—A manger herb signifying the courage and strength of Christ.

Rue—The herb of grace. In Sweden it is associated with St. Lucy and used to make crowns for celebrations of her December 13 saint's day.

Santolina—The herb of fair linen symbolizing swaddling cloth.

Lavender—The symbol of purity, lavender is said to have received its lovely scent when it served as the drying rack for the Baby Jesus' swaddling clothes.

Pennyroyal—One of the manger herbs. In addition to its pleasant aroma, it repels insects.

Bedstraw—Another manger herb; long used for forage in the Middle East.

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