As the nights draw in and Halloween approaches, it is a wonderful time to explore the fascinating folklore surrounding some of our favourite herbs.
Long before Halloween became associated with pumpkins and fancy dress, plants played an important part in ancient traditions, superstitions and seasonal celebrations. Herbs were believed to offer protection, bring courage, ward off evil spirits and even possess magical powers.
The period from 31 October to 2 November is traditionally known as Allhallowtide, encompassing All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. It is a time historically associated with remembrance, reflection and the changing seasons.
Whether you believe in a little magic or simply enjoy the stories behind our plants, here are four herbs with fascinating histories worth exploring.
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Rue (Ruta graveolens): The Herb of Grace
Rue (Ruta graveolens) was historically associated with protection against witchcraft and the evil eye. The Victorian folklorist T. F. Thiselton-Dyer recorded its use in charms and its association with religious purification. |
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Vervain (Verbena officinalis): The Enchanter's Plant Vervain (Verbena officinalis) was reputed to have supernatural properties. There are records of its association with witchcraft and its use as a protective counter-charm. There are several stories of vervain being gathered at particular times and under special conditions to preserve its powers. |
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Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Keeping Evil Spirits Away Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is associated with remembrance, weddings, funerals and protection. Historical herb folklore also records rosemary being burned with thyme and juniper, with the smoke believed to drive away witches and evil spirits. |
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): The Herb of Courage Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a symbol of bravery and courage. In historical tales it is believed that ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme onto tokens for knights, to wish them courage before battle. Perhaps a little thyme is just what we all need before facing something daunting! |
Keeping the Stories Alive
From protective charms to symbols of courage and remembrance, herbs have been woven into our traditions for centuries.
At Jekka’s, we love that every herb has a story to tell. Beyond their culinary, medicinal and aromatic histories, these plants connect us with the people who grew, gathered and treasured them long before us.
As autumn settles over Jekka’s Herb Garden, it is a lovely reminder that herbs offer so much more than their leaves and flowers. They carry stories, traditions and a little bit of mystery too.
Want to know more?
You can find more of Jekka's knowledge about herbs freely available online in Jekka’s blog, our past newsletters and videos as well as Jekka's latest book '100 Herbs to Grow' and Jekka's existing books, namely 'A Pocketful of Herbs' or Jekka's Complete Herb Book, and also by browsing Jekkapedia and exploring our herb based recipes.
Please also see Jekka's herbs of the month blogs: Bay (January), Rosemary (February), Salad Burnet (March), French Tarragon (April), Angelica (May), Alliums (June), Lavender (July), Basil (August), Mint (September), Szechuan Pepper (October), Thyme (November) and Curry Tree (December)
Herb plants are available and you can organise a collection from our herb farm in South Gloucestershire or at one of our Open Days. Please see our 'Looking Good List' for availability and use our webform or email your list directly to us (sales@jekkas.com). We no longer offer a general mail order service for our plants