“Down with the rosemary, and so, Down with the bays and mistletoe, Down with the holly, ivy, all, Wherewith ye dressed the Christmas hall, That so the superstitious find, No one least branch there left behind, For look, how many leaves there be, Neglected there (maids, trust to me), So many goblins you shall see.”

Kitty Alfred, County Limerick, Ireland, A poem of a local superstition to ensure all the winter wreaths were taken down by Candlemas (February 2nd)

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Rosemary or Rosemarinus officinalis is also called Dew of the Sea (as it’s often found on sea cliffs), Rose of Mary or the herb of remembrance. It’s called ros mhuire or marós in Gaeilge and liath-ròs or ròs-màiri in Scots Gaelic. Its name originated through stories with the virgin Mary and in some versions, what would become known as the Rose ‘mary’ bush sheltered her when she was in peril. Being able to experience rosemary thriving in my garden nearly all year long is a true gift. I know that at a moment’s notice, if I need it, it’s there and completely fulfills its folk symbolism of fidelity. Rosemary has so many endless qualities, I find this lovely plant to truly be a wonderment. I personally find the easiest way to include rosemary in my diet is to infuse it in the olive oil or vinegars that I use on an almost daily basis. 

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