Herbs of Christmas
Just as there are traditional holiday spices, there are also traditional Christmas herbs; however, many of them have a religious association whether it’s a traditional church color or one of the plants that comprised the hay in the manger.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), the fragrant herb of remembrance is often used as a live, albeit small tabletop Christmas tree. It is associated with Mary because of the flower color, which changes from white to blue. In the church, blue is the color associated with Mary.
2. Bedstraw and Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium ordoratum) and bedstraw, a plant in the same genus (G. verum), were mixed in with the hay used in the manger. They have a sweet smelling scent similar to new mown hay and vanilla, and also repel insects. Yellow Bedstraw
Galium verum
Yellow bedstraw was introduced from Europe. In the Middle Ages, it was used to stuff mattresses, giving them a pleasant smell.
�?Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)
�?Habitat: fields
�?Height: 8-30 inches
�?Flower size: around 1/8 inch across
�?Flower color: yellow
�?Flowering time: June to August
�?Origin: Europe
3. Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) symbolizes bravery, courage, and endurance and is also known as one of the herbs of the manger.
4. Rue
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is also called the herb of grace. Brushes made from rue plants were used to sprinkle holy water before high mass in the Roman Catholic religion.
5. Costmary
Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita) or alecost has a balsam scent and is often referred to as bible leaf or Herb of the Madonna. It symbolizes everlasting life.
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