Rosemary has a long lasting association with funeral rituals. It is widely viewed as a symbol of remembrance with its evergreen nature representing the concept of eternal life. It was also used by the Ancient Egyptians to embalm the dead and protect their souls on the journey to the afterlife.

In folklore rosemary has a number of significant meanings. According to Christian legend, rosemary was one of the herbs that lined the manger in which Jesus was born. Related to this, rosemary was also known as the “Rose of Mary” , with its pale blue flowers said to symbolise the Virgin Mary’s divinity. There is also an old legend that claims the Virgin Mary changed the colour of rosemary flowers from white to blue by draping her blue cloak over a white-flowered rosemary bush.

More generally in folklore, rosemary has been claimed to help boost many positive aspects of life including memory, happiness and friendship. The combination of its intoxicating fragrance – and seemingly mystical properties – have led many to believe that it can safeguard and protect against negative energies. 

But there are also specific ways in which rosemary has been used in rituals related to death and funerals. Here are a few of these:

• Ancient funeral processions

In ancient Roman and Greek funeral processions, sprigs of rosemary were placed on the body to symbolise the immortality of the departed soul and the hope that they would be remembered. 

• Evergreen symbolism

Rosemary is an evergreen plant and retains its leaves all year round. Many people find this a helpful representation of eternal life, and rosemary has been used in funeral rituals for hundreds of years as a fitting symbol of eternity. 

• The Shakespearean influence

Rosemary as a symbol of remembrance is mentioned many times by Shakespeare. In Hamlet Ophelia says when handing out flowers and herbs to other characters, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember.”

And in Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence tells the Capulet household to prepare Juliet for her funeral procession and to “stick your rosemary on this fair corse, and as the custom is, and in her best array, bear her to church.” 

• Modern Commemoration 

In Australia, sprigs of rosemary are worn on ANZAC Day as a symbol of remembrance. ANZAC is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of a major battle in World War I where many ANZAC soldiers died. Many Australians also wear rosemary on Remembrance Day.

As well as rosemary being used in many ways as part of funeral and remembrance rituals, it has been found by many people to bring a sense of peace and comfort during their grieving. Whether it’s the fragrant aroma, the timelessness of its greenery, or perhaps even the mystical properties we referred to earlier, it may be something that can help you during this difficult time.

Another great help in the aftermath of a death is to have a strong support network around you to help you navigate everything you are going through. In terms of all the practicalities that need to be sorted out, Funerals with Grace are here to help. We can remove the stress from your situation by helping you to organise the best type of funeral for your loved one, to ensure they will always be remembered.