Symbolism
Rosemary for Remembrance

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

BayHonor, 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

Rosemary for Remembrance

 

 

 

 

 

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