Parsley: Myths and Superstitions

Parsley has been used as an herbal remedy and in cooking for hundreds of years. But, along with the well known uses, there are also some beliefs about parsley that are not common knowledge in modern times. Here are some superstitions and myths about one of the most popular herbs used today.

Parsley is seen today adorning many dishes served in fine restaurants. Many people think that is the only use there is for parsley. This is not true. It can be used in cooking and as an herbal remedy.

In ancient times the Greeks awarded their victorious athletes with a wreath of parsley. They also used the herb as a crown for bridesmaids. The circlets were made of parsley and hyacinth. The Greeks even had an explanation for the long germination period of Parsley. They believed the seeds went back and forth to and from Hades nine times before they sprouted. No wonder it takes 6 weeks to send up sprouts. This was believed because parsley was dedicated to Persephone, who was the queen of the underworld.

Another ancient culture that was fond of parsley was the Romans. It was spread on their bread at the morning meal. If they had any sick fish in their ponds, they threw parsley seeds to help them recover. It was also thought that a garland of parsley worn around their necks while drinking alcoholic beverages would keep them from becoming intoxicated. Romans also planted parsley on graves, which is probably why it was once associated with the devil.

Parsley was also well known in the middle ages. Many believed it was used by witches. It was thought to be the main ingredient in the potion rubbed on their brooms to make them fly. People in England believed parsley had ragged leaves because of pixies who tore them up. This treatment was believed to be a punishment for replacing tulip beds with kitchen gardens. Tulips were well liked by pixies because they were used as cradles for their babies. If a child was too curious, they would be informed that babies are sometimes found in parsley beds. But, only girl babies. Boy babies were told to be born under gooseberry bushes.

It was thought that the only people who could grow parsley were the wicked ones. They believed the seeds had to be sown 9 times because the Devil claims the first eight sowings. It was believed to be bad luck if a stranger planted your parsley. To encourage growth, parsley should be planted by a woman. So, if your parsley is growing well, it is thought that the woman of the family is in charge. But, it is also thought that a young woman who sows parsley seeds will become pregnant soon. It is thought to be dangerous to pregnant or nursing mothers. If it was consumed while pregnant, it would cause miscarriage. And, if consumed while breastfeeding, the mother's milk would dry up.

If you are constructing a floral presentation using the language of flowers, parsley stands for a call for festivity. It can be used as decoration only. But, parsley should never be given to a friend. This invites bad luck, possibly death.

Parsley was also considered a remedy for poison. Adding a sprig of the herb to garnish a dish was intended to be a show of good faith. This is the custom of using parsley as a garnish came about. However, parsley is not good for glass of any kind. It is thought to cause it to weaken and shatter.

While many of these superstitions are not believed today, we know that parsley is a useful herb. It is a tasty addition to many recipes. It is also used as a natural remedy. Luckily, we know that the beliefs that parsley is bad luck are fable and not reality.

SOURCES

Pickering, David. "Dictionary of Superstitions". 1995. Cassell Publishing. London, England.

Scoble, Gretchen and Ann Field. "The Meaning of Herbs". 2001. Chronicle Books LLC. Vancouver, BC, Canada.