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A wedding tradition steeped in symbolic meaning, fresh herbs are a beautiful addition to any wedding.
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Fresh herbs have been essential to the language of love for centuries, used profusely in adorning bridal couples as well as bridal chambers. Ancient Athenians wove mint and marigolds, which they believed to be aphrodisiacs, into bridal garlands and wreaths. Roman brides carried wheat for fertility, rosemary for the groom’s virility, and myrtle for long life. European brides in the Middle Ages carried pungent herbs such as garlic and chives to prevent jealous spirits from disrupting the couple’s happiness. And Victorian brides carefully chose a combination of herbs that expressed their sentiments and hopes, perhaps roses for love, lavender for devotion, pansies for happy thoughts, and marjoram for blushes and joy.
Although plants have been used symbolically for many centuries, the Victorians brought this tradition to new heights with their “language of flowers,” a nonverbal form of communication in which symbolic herbs and flowers were combined into a bouquet that sent a coded message. Many floral dictionaries were published during this time to help both the giver and the recipient decipher the special meaning.
Today’s bride can use this form of communication to create personalized sentiments for her wedding ceremony. Some herbs and their traditional Victorian meanings are listed below.
Burnet: a merry heartCalendula: health, joyCarnation: admiration, pure loveDill: good spiritsHeartsease (Johnny-jump-up): happy thoughtsIvy: fidelity, wedded loveLamb’s-ears: supportLavender: devotion, undying love, luckLemon Verbena: unityMarjoram: blushes, joyMint: warmth of feelingMyrtle: fidelity, everlasting love, married blissOregano: joy, happinessParsley: festivityQueen-Anne’s-lace: protectionRose (pink): beauty, graceRose (red): passion, love, luckRose (white): unity, love, respect, innocenceRose geranium: preferenceRosemary: remembrance, fidelity, luckSage: domestic virtue, long lifeSilver-king artemisia: sentimental recollectionsThyme: courage, strengthVerbena: faithfulness, marriageWormwood: affectionYarrow: everlasting love
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