It’s likely that most people don’t know that even in death, herbs offer so much symbolism to turn despair into hope.
My father passed away earlier this week and, like so many people, my family’s grief with losing a loved one is at odds with the relief we feel because the loved one is no longer suffering. Roy Gene Varney struggled for more than 15 years with Parkinson’s disease, and the last few years with dementia. We have many memories of a man who remained true to his conviction that life was still worth living.
In my own herb garden, I am using a little symbolism here and there to cope. To begin with, here’s rosemary – for remembrance of my father and all the other people we love but are no longer with us.
Herbs, health and happiness, Bill Varney
Basil: Best wishes, warm friendship
Bay: Honor, unchanging affections
Chamomile: Patience, meekness
Eucalyptus: Openness, trust
Geranium: Comfort, consolation
Holly: Foresight
Lavender: Distrust
Lemon Balm: Sympathy
Lemon Verbena: Purity
Marjoram: Happiness, joy
Mint: Wisdom
Myrtle: First declaration of love
Narcissus: Egotism, conceit
Rose: Love
Rosemary: Remembrance
Sage: Esteem, friendship
Thyme: Activity
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
–Robert Louis Stevenson
