Cursing the Basil and Other Folklore of the Garden

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Of course you know about garlic and vampires. But do you also know that
wild thyme is under the control of the fairies, that the bay plant
guards against lightning, that the devil will get you if you pick yellow
flowers, or that you should never take a red-and-white bouquet to a
hospital because it symbolizes blood and bandages?

The powers ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians attributed to plants,
Victorian sentiments, and even modern superstitions are explored in
depth in this engrossing work. Rich tells us that throughout history
plants were integral to religion, grieving rituals, healing, disease
prevention, cosmetics, courtship, personal hygiene, childbirth, and even
political pursuits. The author also tells us which cultures believed
basil wouldn’t grow unless the gardener swore at it, and how to pull a
mandrake root without becoming a victim of its shrieks.

Herbs and other plants have provided food and medicine throughout
history. Rich rounds out that prosaic fact with a tapestry of myths and
esoteric customs, folklore, and traditions, such as the Victorian’s
complex communications system based on the language of flowers. The
absurd, the outlandish, and the pathetic capture the reader’s
interest. It is fascinating to catch even a brief glimpse into societies
in which nothing but a violet or a sprig of rosemary stood between a
human and the horror of the unknown spirit world.

The book is a lively read, overflowing with details, examples, and
quotes. This mass of material is presented under four broad topics:
spells and rituals; hygiene and medicines; mythology, religion, and
superstition; and trade and politics. A good index helps pull it all
together.