Coming from the Latin words ros marinus, rosemary translates into dew of the sea. It was said to be draped around Aphrodite when she rose from the sea. Today, the goddess is associated with rosemary, as is the Virgin Mary, who was supposed to have spread her cloak over a white-blossomed rosemary bush when she was resting; according to legend, the flowers turned blue, the color most associated with Mary.

Rosemary has a very old reputation for improving memory, and has been used as a symbol for remembrance and during weddings, war commemorations and funerals mourners would throw it into graves as a symbol of remembrance for the dead

In the Middle Ages, rosemary was associated with wedding ceremonies The bride would wear a rosemary headpiece and the groom and wedding guests would all wear a sprig of rosemary, and from this association with weddings, rosemary evolved into a love charm. Newly wed couples would plant a branch of rosemary on their wedding day. If the branch grew, it was a good omen for the union and family.

Growing Rosemary

Rosemary is difficult to grow from seed and can take up to 3 months to germinate, and quite often they do not germinate at all. The easiest way is to buy small plants from a garden center. However, rosemary is easy to propagate from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, with lots of new growth around May or June.Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil and in the South and Pacific Coast States, where soil is dry and rocky, they are planted as hedges. There is also a low-growing or prostrate variety. Rosemary grows well with occasional watering, and does much better where the soil is alkaline. All varieties prefer full sun and most can tolerate slightly shady areas. Rosemary propagates easily by taking six inch long stem cuttings that are stuck in sterile growing medium.

Harvest Rosemary

Simply use shears or a knife to cut stems from the plant. You can cut the stems near the base of the plant or cut closer to the top. Never cut more than 1/4 of all stems on the plant. This way you will be sure that your plant will survive and thrive to produce more sprigs in the future.

Culinary Uses of Rosemary

The Italians are particularly fond of Rosemary, which they use in the preparation of "abbacchio", or lamb, a favorite Easter traditional dish. Because of its strong taste and smell, Rosemary is primarily used to flavor meats, eggs, and green vegetables.

Preserving Rosemary

Rosemary may be dried or frozen following the same procedures as for other herbs.