Hamlet and Ophelia

Rosemary is for remembrance In Hamlet (iv:5) Ophelia says, “There's rosemary, that's for remembrance.” The Legends of Rosemary.....The herb rosemary is the symbol of remembrance and fidelity and has been used for centuries in weddings. During the middle ages all elegant weddings used rosemary as a favor for the wedding guests. Sprigs were dipped in gold, tied with a ribbon and presented to guests. It symbolized that although the bride and groom were leaving their friends and family to start a new life, they would never forget their loved ones.There are many fun legends surrounding the use of rosemary. "According to English folklore, if a maiden placed a plate of flour under a rosemary bush on midsummer's eve, her future husbands initials would be written in it.""To see your true love in a dream, slip a piece of rosemary under your pillow...."The bride and groom might dip rosemary in their wine cups to toast each other.Dried rosemary was laid in the bed linen to ensure faithfulness, and a bride who gave her husband a sprig to hold on their wedding night would ensure that he remained faithful...According to another legend, "if a man doesn't like the scent of rosemary, he will be a lousy lover."Napoleon is said to have loved rosemary...and Josephine is said to have asked Napoleon to wash in rosemary water before entering her bedchamber. Napoleon obediently used 162 bottles of rosemary in the first three months of marriage."from "Book of Rosemary" (HarperCollins Publishers)Jackie French, AuthorFor more information and a charming and unique rosemary wedding favor, visit The Rosemary Company website at http://www.rosemarycompany.com/wedding