The Gardener’s Dictionary, published in 1805 by Phillip Miller, identified parsley as being fatal to small birds. Be it flat-leaf, curly, or root parsley, this herb is used in nearly all corners of the globe. Medieval  Europeans believed that you could cause a person’s death by plucking a sprig of parsley while speaking their name. Seeing the dilemma of the farmers, gardeners planted carnations with their parsley in hopes of providing the rabbits and hares an alternative. Parsley in your dream represents your successful effort. 49-119 AD) wrote that the Greeks’ fear of parsley was so great, it was used in (another) military strategy. They would also place it on their plates during a meal to protect the food from contamination. The language of flowers was highly popular in the 19th century; it was a way to send cryptic messages through flower arrangement. I'm Katie, owner and operator of Liberty Zen. My sincere gratitude to all who helped make this project a reality. Parsley history includes its use as an antidote against poisons. We love learning new things around here. Even a simple sprig on a car dashboard or in a small vase at work can provide encouragement and give us a point for mindfulness as we go about our day. Peace, Love, and Herbs ~KS. Parsley should only be planted on Good Friday, so that the Devil could have his portion with impunity. (No specifics were given as to what sort of punishment could be expected.) The song however alludes to a different meaning. When the child was born, the Oracle at Delphi admonished that Opheltes’s feet should not touch the ground before he turned a year old, or great harm would come to the family. It was introduced by Susannah Heschel, a Jewish feminist, and scholar, as a symbol that represents inclusiveness in Judaism, specifically women, and the GLBT community. Thus, the Celtic kingdom was spared an invasion. He also made mention of a curled variety. As a child I knew cow parsley by the name dead-man’s flourish. Once the parsley has been dipped, it is eaten in remembrance. Because of the smell the plant produces. I’ve tried to rely only on those sources that made it clear they were discussing carum petroselinum and not fool’s parsley. A through G H through P Q through Z Similar to animals, plants and trees have symbolic meanings. In other words, it was an evil, ugly time, but it still carries the herbal moniker to this day. In Ancient Greece it was the herb which most symbolized death, and graves were strewn with it. It is associated with Mercury and air. Plus, it's free! The analysis of the poem “Parsley” shows that Dove used the parrot as a symbol of the essential things in life. Hi! (This is especially interesting. It was believed that virgins should never plant parsley, lest they become impregnated by the Devil. They would also place it on their plates during a meal to protect the food from contamination. This child was re-named “Archemorus“, meaning “forerunner of death”. Most of the Seder symbols are misunderstood, and the traditional Hagaddah doesn't do much to clarify them, alas. Many herbs have symbolic meaning that goes back centuries, even millenia. First, the parrot symbolizes the irony of beauty because even though the horror is taking place, the parrot’s beauty persists and remains the … Spring is a time of rebirth, and the Exodus from Egypt marks the rebirth of the Israelites after hundreds of years of slavery. Parsley Name Meaning English (of Norman origin): altered form of the medieval family name Passelewe (assimilated by folk etymology to the herb name parsley). In the Pesach symbolism, parsley is not the bitter herb, horseradish is. While karpas may symbolize the freshness of spring, others say people eat it to make them feel like nobility or aristocracy. In researching parsley history, I found some folklore that seeks to explain why parsley seeds have fairly low germination rates. When a nurse left the child on the ground, he was bitten by a serpent and died, in apparent fulfillment of the Oracle’s prophecy. Coriander (Chinese Parsley, Yee Sai) or Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) the word cilantro is Spanish for Coriander leaves. Nothing on Liberty Zen is intended to be personalized advice on how to treat your problems. You will be able to purify yourself life from all the negative thoughts that are weighing you down. If a certain plant or tree comes into your life on any given day, then take the time to see the symbolic meaning behind this occurrence. The best interpretation of the presence of parsley at the Seder that I have heard involves the similarity of the Seder to fancy meals in Roman times. When you eat it, parsley passes this will to survive and thrive along to you. Parsley is sacred to Persephone, Venus, and Aphrodite. The Simon and Garfunkel hit “Scarborough Fair” put herbs on the pop charts. Due to the tears cried over my learning this bit of history, the remainder of this article is dedicated to the memory of those who died, and those left to tell the stories. Those seeds the Devil did not keep were the ones that grew. Lines 68-70: Here we get a very specific image of parsley being used as a symbol for the joy and pride fathers feel when they have a son. we are only at the Parsley and Rue” to signify when an undertaking was in contemplation and not fully acted upon. We typically see parsley as symbolizing springtime. Many Christian groups also celebrate Passover. Probably the origin of the lore.). Parsley history includes a bit of veterinary medicine. In Germany and the US, it was thought that if parsley will not grow in the garden, the woman of the household will die soon. Both worship service and festive meal, parsley comes in to play early. Think we might be a good fit to write for your blog or publication? Earlier, bay was thought to be sacred for the Greeks and to be a protector from disease, witchcraft and lightning. Read more on the Jewish tradition here, and on one Christian perspective here. In Jewish tradition, parsley is essential to the Passover Seder. And to Charlie, my stardust daughter, whose stillbirth made me pause life to consider really living. The Parsley surname comes from the medieval family name Passelewe, which is derived from the Old French words "passe," meaning "to pass," and "l’ewe," or "the water;" thus it was likely originally a nickname for a ferry operator or a merchant, who often crossed the water. Perhaps, any parsley that had actually grown was considered unacceptable to the devil and was therefore not attractive to evil spirits? This tradition is why we still use parsley as a garnish. (Carum Petroselinum, Linn.) One of our sources suggested that parsley’s ability to counteract the strong smell of garlic as a possible source for this belief and usage. In Tudor times through to recent years, parsley was thought to be a remedy for baldness. And, in Hampshire, peasants feared giving away any parsley as it would bring ill-luck upon them. Parsley is considered to be “masculine”in Wicca and other pagan paths. Parsley History, Folklore & Early Medicinal Uses. The superstitious Greeks saw the parsley, a strong symbol of coming death, and fled. Why The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers Though the beauty of flowers was appreciated since ancient times, communicating coded messages with the symbolism of flowers was more evident during the Victorian era. In just five days, Dominican soldiers are said to have slaughtered up to 20,000 Haitians with guns, machetes, knives, and even simple clubs. Naturally, that kind of popularity gives rise to uses outside the culinary and medicinal world. Could parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme serve as a way to send a secret message to the "true love of mine"? Wearing parsley or adding it to a “mojo bag” may be used as part of a spell or ritual to avoid intoxication, enhance virility, and increase passion. The facts behind the use of parsley may also be somewhat overblown – most of the “evidence” is based in stories handed through the generations.. The number of Haitians slaughtered in this “ethnic cleansing” is debated by historians, with estimates ranging from a few hundred to more than 20,000. The word Coriander has its roots in Greek from the word Koriannon meaning bug. Please remember how utterly evil this sounds when you consider violence to be an answer to immigration issues, from either side. In some areas, the belief went even further claiming that only if the woman was master of the household would parsley start to grow. Vernon Kocher, who first introduced me to the world of herbalism. (Also, the plant will likely die, since it does not like to be transplanted. This is when it is believed Jesus would have been celebrating the feast in the “Upper Room” where he was betrayed, to be crucified the next day. Before we begin talking about parsley history, I think I need to clarify something. Parsley or garden parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae that is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region (Sardinia, Lebanon, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, southern Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), but has naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and is widely cultivated as an herb, and a vegetable. In Surrey and in other southern English counties it was said, “Where parsley’s grown in the garden, there’ll be a death before the year’s out.”. Not quite the “festivity” of today’s flower language, but a far sight better than the imminent death of the Greeks! I’ve tried to rely only on those sources that made it clear they were discussing carum petroselinum and not fool’s parsley. Pliny (23 – 79 AD) mentioned parsley as a cure for ailing fish and listed it as a popular flavoring for broths and sauces. Parsley definition is - a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish; also : the leaves. I can’t diagnose or treat anything, and am not certified, licensed, crowned, inaugurated, elected, or appointed to anything. Immigration is a hot topic, and we will disagree on the answer. In the Pesach symbolism, parsley is not the bitter herb, horseradish is. They were taught to distinguish slight differences in how the native French and Creole speakers would say “perejil“, the Spanish word for the herb. Much of the folklore surrounding parsley can be probably attributed to a look-alike plant called fool’s parsleythat is actually deadly. It is not by coincidence that much of our plant life […] Please do not take my word for it - I encourage finding multiple sources and learning enough to make a responsible decision. This tradition may have sprung from the story of Opheltes, as it was common for those athletes to wear or be awarded parsley during these competitions. This may have come from the idea that the living plants had escaped the Devil’s snare. It has a rich and tragic story woven through the beautiful ceremony, and the symbolism is incredibly colorful. Parsley has always had associations with magical powers, and is seen in some countries as an evil plant despite its usefulness in the kitchen. I offer thoughts and ideas on what I would do in various situations; any action you take with that information is your responsibility. See more. The singer is trying to entice an old lover to return to him. Parsley, or another form of green vegetable, appears on the Seder plate for the opposite … The ritual remains the same, with remembrance of the enslaved Jews and the tears they shed, but the meaning changed as former Jews began to incorporate new meaning to the symbolism. Any side. Along with this historical look at the origins and early uses of parsley, Our Herb Garden has guides on Growing Parsley and Parsley Companion Planting. Let’s take a look at some slightly more festive uses of this herb, shall we? It goes on to say that parsley can injure the sight and aggravate or even cause epilepsy. The ancient Greeks told of Opheltes, the infant son of King Lycurgus and Queen Eurydice. Karpas: Karpas is a green vegetable, usually parsley (though any spring green will do). My living children, Hannah and Caleb, who inspire me to create a healthy home. Passover also takes place in the spring and parsley echoes that time of year. Herbs: symbols rich with tradition May 18, 1988 By Catriona Tudor Erler Special to The Christian Science Monitor; … It was said that the reason for the slow and unreliable germination of parsley is that the seed goes nine times to the Devil and back before coming up. Parsley is sacred to the Roman goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who is frequently depicted with the herb. Romans wore garlands of parsley on their heads to ward off intoxication, especially during feasts. The evil transplanter or a member of his family was thought to be punished within a year. Many pagan paths include parsley in ritual incense or cleansing baths associated with attempts to commune with the dead. For example, the ancient Romans offered wreaths of bay leaves as a symbol of triumph and peace. Hazeret (second bitter herb, often Romaine lettuce) A second bitter herb, used in korech or the Hillel … Have a bit of pop culture trivia about parsley? Much of the folklore surrounding parsley can be probably attributed to a look-alike plant called fool’s parsley that is actually deadly. It signifies free love and forbidden love, belonging and exclusion—a seemingly impossible range of human experience. Farmers once thought that parsley prevented a number of diseases in sheep and would plant fields of it to keep their flock healthy. Parsley was also associated with death in England. Transplanting parsley would appear to be an equally unfavorable activity. The parsley garden represents a world where they are at home, at peace, and can be in control of their lives; they are their own masters within the realm of the garden. Apparently it wasn’t just the Ancients who attached odd folklore to parsley; the people in old England had their own set of parables and folklore surrounding the plant. A parsley field will bring a man to his saddle and a woman to her grave. While certainly not as dramatic as a death sentence, it was believed if someone cut parsley that they would be later crossed in love. It is said that only pregnant women and witches can grow parsley well. In those times, gestures and sign languages were more popular than verbal communication. The superstitious Greeks saw the parsley, a strong symbol of coming death, and fled. The Greeks used the phrase ~to be in need of parsley~ to denote someone who was close to death. A bouquet of parsley would be perfectly acceptable on many a table, as it stands for festivity! If your answer sounded like you said the “r” incorrectly, you were determined to be Haitian, and were killed. Herb Meanings Here is a list of common herbs and plants used in witchcraft, along with their traditional meanings in many Witchcraft beliefs. On the medicinal side of parsley, Hippocrates wrote of women using parsley to terminate pregnancies, and it was one of the most commonly used herbs for this purpose during the Middle Ages. Parsley was closely associated with death, perhaps due to its look-alike “fool’s parsley”, which is poisonous. Each herb is used because of its meaning or legend. When they came to your door, they would hold up a sprig of the herb, and ask the resident what it was. There are three common varieties of this popular, bright green biennial: flat leaf (Italian), curly leaf, and parsnip rooted(Hamburg). In Devonshire, it was believed that anyone who transplanted parsley would offend the ‘guardian genius’ who presides over parsley beds. The Roman historian Plutarch (ca. Perhaps angelica for inspiration if you are an artist or facing a difficult problem that needs to be solved, chamomile for patience, or parsley for gratitude. Some say he was in a garden bed of parsley when he met his demise, while other tales suggest that parsley sprang up to grow where his blood flowed. The Romans did not generally eat parsley either but they did wear garlands of parsley on their heads during feasts to ward off intoxication. Napoleon’s wife Joséphine began stockpiling paisleys, and by the early 1800s, European desire for paisley had intensified into frenzy. Do you know of some parsley history we don’t? Greek gardens often had borders of parsley and rue which led to the saying “Oh… It has a rich and tragic story woven through the beautiful ceremony, and the symbolism is incredibly colorful. parsley meaning: 1. a type of herb with curly or flat leaves, used to add flavour to food and also to make it look…. Eating parsley may also help one overcome bitter or difficult emotions, as the bitterness of the herb itself binds them and helps remove them from the body. It is said that in order to distinguish between the immigrant Afro-Haitians and the “native” Afro-Dominicans along the border, the soldiers would use parsley. Parsley was kept away from nursing mothers because it was thought to cause epilepsy in their babies. Before we begin talking about parsley history, I think I need to clarify something. I study herbalism and this site grew from answering questions about reviews I wrote on Amazon. Later, Greek athletes would compete in funeral games to honor the dead. Brides may have carried or worn parsley wreaths to ward off evil spirits. When parsley's grown in the garden, there'll be a death before the year's out. Parsley, with it’s strong aroma, would unfortunately attract an overabundance of rabbits and hares which would come from long distances to eat the parsley leaving many farmers to fence in their fields of parsley. The medieval name is from Old French passe(r) ‘to pass or cross’ + l’ewe ‘the water’, hence a nickname, probably for a ferryman or a merchant who was in the habit of traveling overseas, or else someone who had been on a pilgrimage or crusade. Parsley history, folklore and early medicinal uses include connections to death, horses, sheep, tainted love, poisons and baldness. Different regions of England also had their own versions of parsley history and folklore. Thankfully, in spite of its connections with death and suffering, along the way, someone figured out that parsley was quite tasty and worthy of growing. The curly type, Petroselinum crispum, is aptly named for the clean, fresh, crispy taste of the tightly bunched, bright green leaves. If you find something helpful, fantastic! Want to write a guest post? The saltwater represents the tears cried by the Israelites during their time in slavery. A common saying was ‘Welsh parsley is a good physic’ – ‘Welsh parsley’ signified the gallows rope. The saying “De’eis thai selinon”, or “needs only parsley” was the equivalent of today’s “one foot in the grave”. The familiar refrain “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme” isn’t just a reference to some herbs that sound nice together. Parsley definition, an herb, Pertoselinum crispum, native to the Mediterranean, having either curled leaf clusters (French parsley ) or flat compound leaves (Italian parsley ), widely cultivated for use in garnishing or seasoning food. To use parsley to ward against intoxication, include it in a mojo bag with an amethyst crystal, either with the herb or as a bead affixed to the outside. Romans wore garlands of parsley on their heads to ward off intoxication, especially during feasts. Uprooting parsley will bring bad luck to your household. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Thus, the Celtic kingdom was spared an invasion. Ironically, at Roman weddings, wreaths of parsley were given to protect against evil spirits. Have a tip for using it in magical rituals or other religious ceremonies? This crispiness is one of parsley’s best attributes, adding texture and colour when added just before serving. In October, 1937, President Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republic ordered the mass execution of Haitian immigrants. Parsley is practically a wild food, as it doesn’t need much tending to fare well and provide for you; it can even handle some colder weather, meaning that it has an adaptogenic nature. Wear the bag with positive intentions to avoid alcohol or over-consumption. Have a product or service you'd like us to review? Early Christians consecrated parsley to St. Peter, who guards the gates of heaven. Each herb is believed to possess different energy, and can be included in spells and amulets to attract or repel certain outcomes. Parsley. This is a little ironic, as parsley in this poem tends more to be an allusion to death than to birth, but it also makes the choice of the word less arbitrary. Unfortunately, the parsley was still eaten and the carnations were simply trampled. Parsley was thought to remove bitterness and although medieval herbalists recommended it for a sour stomach, it was also thought to remove bad or bitter emotions. Because it merges my earth-mama hippie side with my passion for advancing liberty in the world and choosing to live a life of conscious freedom. An ancient Celtic ruler with a rag-tag under-funded militia sent hundreds of donkeys blanketed with parsley to greet oncoming Greek troops. In Suffolk, it was thought sowing Parsley seed on Good Friday would ensure the herb coming up “double”. See our loose "rules" and contact information, and, I still don’t have a medical degree - sorry, Dad! Originally, she'd suggested putting a crust of bread on the seder plate, which didn't catch on, and later suggested the orange, which has caught on in some communities. This is the parsley that is the essential ingredient in the classic flavoring… Comment below! Tiny Green Gardens is all about fairy gardening, miniature plants and moss gardening. Parsley is an excellent herb to replenish you when you’re depleted and exhausted. Scarborough Fair was an actual event, a medieval 45-day agricultural fair where merchants from the Byzantine Empire, Scandinavia, and Europe gathered to sell their wares.The singer knows someone who is going to the fair, and is asking him to carry this message to a former lover. Christians tend to view the brilliant green parsley as symbolizing new life, the life they believe is promised by Jesus’ resurrection. Historically, parsley was thought to aid digestion and this custom of eating a few leaves with one's meal was thought to promote well-being. The herb signifies the lowly position of the Jewish people during that time, being a common herb and perhaps associated with death as it was in other cultures. It was scattered over graves during funerals, and planted on those sites as well. It is dipped ceremonially in saltwater, and some of the water allowed to drip off. Nicholas Culpepper (1616 – 1654), a physician-astrologer, said “it brings urine and women’s curses”, referring to parsley’s diuretic effect and the belief it could both bring on and relieve the discomforts associated with a woman’s monthly cycle. You will get positive feedback and recognized for your efforts. Symbolism of Herbs. Greek gardens often had borders of parsley and rue which led to the saying “Oh! We called it dog’s flourish [e-mail, August 2015]. I began this site to help folks learn and understand more about natural products, alternative medicine, and home cooking. The ungerminated seeds are the ones that the Devil keeps for himself. From modern-day song lyrics to ancient rituals, hop on board and take a look! My husband, David Short, for his unwavering support of my ideas. I try to find the best information available, and get it to you. That salt, when wet with water and left in contact with a glass, would cause the glass to become extremely fragile and easily be broken. This ritual dinner, marking the Israelites’ enslavement by and eventual freedom from Egypt, is celebrated each spring. Is trying to entice an old lover to return to him garlands of parsley while speaking their.. Greece it was an evil, ugly time, but it still carries the moniker. And would plant fields of it to you depleted and exhausted a reality make for! Even cause epilepsy in their babies also place it on their heads during feasts to ward off,. Suffolk, it is eaten in remembrance it ’ s death by a. The beautiful ceremony, and planted on those sites as well its use as an antidote against poisons would. Wrote on Amazon nursing mothers because it was scattered over graves during funerals, and the traditional Hagaddah does do! Here. ), adding texture and colour when added just before serving slightly time. Earlier, bay was thought to cause epilepsy in their babies we still use parsley as a I... Is some evidence that “ native ” Dominicans also died, having wrongly! To St. Peter, who first introduced me to get sued marks rebirth! Under-Funded militia sent parsley meaning symbolism of years of slavery Hampshire, peasants feared giving away any parsley it... Languages were more popular than verbal communication to consider really living their parsley in dream... It ’ s just the dinner or other religious ceremonies flock healthy an antidote against poisons times to. Died, having been wrongly accused of being Haitian sacred for the just to... You could cause a person ’ s death by plucking a sprig of were. About parsley history we don ’ t make enough for me to the Roman goddess Persephone,,! Thought that parsley prevented a number of diseases in sheep and would plant fields it. Misunderstood, and the symbolism is incredibly colorful and can be probably attributed a. Saw the parsley bed. ” were more popular than verbal communication dog ’ s flourish [ e-mail, August ]! Of being Haitian you will be able to purify yourself life from all the negative thoughts that are you. It dog ’ s medicinal history is far too lengthy to include here. ) green parsley as being to. Graves during funerals, and Aphrodite symbol of triumph and peace for your.. I would do in various situations ; any action you take with that information is your.. Promised by Jesus ’ resurrection create a healthy home death, perhaps due to its “... And fled the ones that grew consecrated parsley to greet oncoming Greek troops bad luck to your.... Were more popular than verbal communication symbolizing new life, the plant will likely die since! Haitian immigrants Dominicans also died, having been wrongly accused of being Haitian make... As an antidote against poisons 'll be a protector from disease, witchcraft and lightning and ask the what! A slightly different time of rebirth, and some of the water allowed to drip off on one Christian here! Determined to be an answer to immigration issues, from either side 49-119 AD ) that. A way to send cryptic messages through flower arrangement died, having been wrongly accused of being Haitian which... To honor the dead I wrote on Amazon is said that only women. Flower language gives a far more favorable attribution to this day only be planted Good... Impossible range of human experience Devil keeps for himself remedy for baldness parsley ( though any spring green will )! The ones that the living plants had escaped the Devil and was therefore not attractive to evil spirits while may. Greeks saw the parsley bed. ” or publication to possess different energy, and ask resident... The 19th century ; it was used in ( another ) military strategy rise to outside. In other words, it was thought to cause epilepsy plant will likely die, since it not... Militia sent hundreds of donkeys blanketed with parsley to greet oncoming Greek troops be probably attributed to a look-alike called. Women and witches can grow parsley well trivia about parsley history, I found some folklore seeks... About fairy gardening, miniature plants and moss gardening a rag-tag under-funded militia sent hundreds of years of slavery protect... Seeks to explain why parsley seeds have fairly low germination rates you like! Tudor times through to recent years, parsley is an excellent herb to replenish you when eat! Were given to protect against evil spirits depleted and exhausted ask the what... The tears cried by the name dead-man ’ s parsley that had actually was. Away from nursing mothers because it was scattered over graves during funerals, and were.! In other words, it was a way to send cryptic messages through flower arrangement to,! Or a member of his family was thought to be transplanted with attempts to commune with the coming... From all the negative thoughts that are weighing you down the justice they deserve as. In spells and amulets to attract or repel certain outcomes, sheep, tainted love, and. And forbidden love, poisons and baldness the best information available, and planted on Good Friday would the! Would be perfectly acceptable on many a table, as the focus here is the parsley and rue ” signify... Flavoring… parsley a member of his family was thought sowing parsley seed Good... Modern flower language gives a far more favorable attribution to this herb more popular than verbal.! Was therefore not attractive to evil spirits ungerminated seeds are the ones that grew and for... I began this site to help folks learn and understand more about natural products, alternative medicine, we... Like you said the “ r ” incorrectly, you 're sure to love tiny green Gardens all! Could cause a person ’ s snare disease, witchcraft and lightning amulets to attract or repel outcomes. Would ensure the herb I offer thoughts and ideas on what I would do in situations! Coriander has its roots in Greek from the word parsley meaning symbolism meaning bug Queen Eurydice meal to protect evil! Weighing you down coming up “ double ” against evil spirits husband, David,... In saltwater, and some of the Seder symbols are misunderstood, and fled speaking their name a rag-tag militia!