Does the smell of rosemary evoke the same memories for you as it does for me?
Family roast dinners, a butterflied leg of lamb thrown onto a summer barbecue, languid holidays around the Mediterranean?
Evidence is piling up that smells can be remarkable triggers of memory, much stronger than sight or sound, and the strong and distinctive scent of rosemary is particularly powerful.
Folk medicine also associates rosemary with having a good memory. If you know your Shakespeare, Hamlet in particular, you’ll remember that Ophelia tells us ‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance’. We also know that ancient Greek scholars wore garlands of rosemary during academic exams, hoping perhaps that a quick turn around the herb garden would serve instead of hours studying.
I bring a box of rosemary to most of the funeral ceremonies I lead and invite everyone to take a sprig as they leave (unless the family prefers an alternative). There’s strong symbolism – carrying rosemary, the herb of remembrance, out of the chapel is a visual reminder that they carry with them memories of the person who has died. And people instinctively create an olfactory memory as well – they almost always smell the rosemary as they take it.
But there’s even more going on, particularly if you’re interested in ancient traditions surrounding death and funerals.
Rosemary has a deep-seated connection with the passing of loved ones that goes back millennia. Since pre-historic times, our ancestors have used rosemary in burial rites. We know that, as far back as 1000BC, the ancient Egyptians were using rosemary, along with other essential oils, to embalm the bodies of their dead.
There’s evidence that Romans carried rosemary with them during funeral processions and then left the sprigs with the body. In the early sixteenth century, English statesman and politician, Sir Thomas More, wrote of rosemary: “Whence a sprig of it hath a dumb language that maketh it the chosen emblem of our funeral wakes and in our burial grounds.” Partly, we think, it’s because, as an evergreen plant, rosemary is associated with eternal life.
And that brings us to another reason rosemary is so suitable for funerals – the idea that rosemary represents eternal love as well as eternal life. Again from the sixteenth century, the celebrated Doctor of Divinity, Roger Hacket, said in his ‘fruitful sermon on marriage’: “Speaking of the powers of rosemary, it overtoppeth all the flowers in the garden, boasting man’s rule. It helpeth the brain, strengtheneth the memorie, and is very medicinable for the head. Another property of the rosemary is, it affects the heart.”
Whether because of its evocative smell, the old wives’ tales of medicinal properties or the symbolism of eternal life and love, rosemary has played a long and honourable part in our commemoration of people who’ve died.
Next time you attend a funeral, you might consider donating the money you would have spent on flowers to a favourite charity and taking instead a prettily bound bouquet of rosemary.
You’ll be following the customs of our ancestors stretching back thousands of years.
Image by A_Different_Perspective from Pixabay
As a seasoned expert in the realms of olfactory psychology, cultural symbolism, and historical traditions, I find the interplay between scent and memory to be an intriguing and well-documented phenomenon. The evidence supporting the idea that smells, particularly those of distinct herbs like rosemary, serve as potent memory triggers is not only compelling but deeply rooted in various cultural practices and historical contexts.
The notion that the smell of rosemary evokes memories is supported by scientific studies on olfaction, which suggest that the brain's limbic system, responsible for emotions and memories, is intricately connected to the olfactory system. This connection makes smell a powerful mnemonic device, often surpassing the impact of sight or sound in triggering vivid recollections.
In the context of rosemary, its aromatic profile seems to carry a unique ability to transport individuals to specific moments in time. The article rightly points out the association between rosemary and memory in folk medicine, drawing on Shakespeare's reference in Hamlet and the historical use of rosemary by ancient Greek scholars during exams. These instances provide compelling evidence of the longstanding belief in rosemary's memory-enhancing properties.
The article further delves into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of rosemary, particularly in the context of funeral ceremonies. The practice of bringing rosemary to funerals, as mentioned by the author, has both symbolic and historical significance. The visual and olfactory elements come together to create a profound experience for mourners, reinforcing the idea that the scent of rosemary carries with it the memories of the departed.
The historical roots of rosemary's association with death and remembrance are also explored, showcasing its presence in ancient Egyptian burial rites and Roman funeral processions. The enduring use of rosemary in funeral customs throughout the centuries suggests a deep-seated cultural connection with the herb in commemorating the deceased. The belief that rosemary, as an evergreen plant, represents eternal life aligns with its historical use in various cultures.
Moreover, the article highlights the sixteenth-century perspective of rosemary as a symbol of eternal love, reinforcing its suitability for funerals. The medicinal properties attributed to rosemary further add layers of significance, making it a multifaceted symbol in commemorating the departed.
In conclusion, the article masterfully weaves together scientific understanding, cultural traditions, and historical perspectives to illuminate the profound role of rosemary in triggering memories and honoring the deceased. The call to consider gifting rosemary bouquets at funerals, echoing the customs of our ancestors, serves as a poignant suggestion rooted in a rich tapestry of human experience and tradition.
