Weeding chores are made more enjoyable with their symphonic sounds in the background.ĭown through the ages, the unassuming thyme has maintained its reputation as a trusted and valuable help to mankind. In the language of flowers according to Kate Greenaway, it symbolizes activity (“busy as a bee” may have come from observing the feverish activities of these industrious insects around a patch of flowering thyme). Also associated with funereal traditions, thyme was one of the fragrant flowers planted on graves. From ancient and medieval days, it has been considered a source of invigoration. Or, it could come from the Greek word “thumus” which signifies courage. Thyme is the derivative of a Greek word which means “to fumigate” (alluding to its effectiveness as an antiseptic). There is disagreement over the origination of this herb’s name. Anyone who has tasted the delicate flavor of thyme honey would be easy to convince that it was, indeed, fairy food. Legends abound that it is the favorite herb of fairies and Shakespeare supported that assumption in his writings. The secret society of the Republicans in France once used branches of thyme to summon their members to its meetings. Virgil and Pliny both recorded the antiseptic properties of thyme. The Romans gave thyme as a sovereign remedy to people burdened with melancholy. To the Greeks, it was an emblem of activity, bravery, and energy. Most herbal writers agree that thyme may be the oldest herb known to man.
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