Gardening SIG: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

The classic English song Scarborough Faire traces its roots to the middle ages. What were the importance of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme?

First, Scarborough Faire was a multi-week-long farmer's market held each fall in Scarborough, England. This big shipping port was a hub for trade. It was a rough-and-tumble market, and pickpockets would ply the farmers and buyers. They were tried and hung quickly, so part of the connotation of the Scarborough Faire is that his "true love" had jilted him harshly and unfairly.

The song goes,

"Are you going to Scarborough Faire?
parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there -
she once was a true love of mine."

It goes on to lay all sorts of extreme demands on this run-off lover if she ever thinks she can come back to her ex again.

Just as we in modern day look at the red rose and think "Love! Romance!" so did the medieval folk think of those four herbs and have equally vivid images. Herbs were extremely important in their daily life and great folklore was built around them.

Parsley: An herb which removes the bitterness in the stomach, and in life.

Sage: Sage has been the symbol for strength for thousands of years.

Rosemary: Sensibility, love, faithfulness, being true. It was often used by women in pillows to encourage true love to come to them.

Thyme: Courage and strength, in a male fashion. Knights would often wear thyme in their armor, given to them by their lady love.

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