Remembrance Photograph by Connie Handscomb

Remembrance

by Connie Handscomb

Canvas Print

$70

Framed Print

$79

Art Print

$23

Poster

$23

Metal Print

$76

Acrylic Print

$84

Wood Print

$56

Throw Pillow

$28

Duvet Cover

$135

Shower Curtain

$70

Bath Towel

$40

Tote Bag

$29

Weekender Tote Bag

$59

Zip Pouch

$27

Portable Battery Charger

$48

Greeting Card

$5.98

iPhone Case

$27

Beach Towel

$40

Round Beach Towel

$89

Weekender Tote Bag

$59

Title

Remembrance

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance".
~ Ophelia, in Shakespeare's Hamlet

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Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis

Family: Labiatae (mint)

This symbol of 'remembrance' - also, of memory, love and fidelity - has been used since the Middle Ages by brides to better their chances for happiness and fertility; sprigs were woven into their bridal wreaths. This custom started in England in 1540 with the marriage of Anne of Cleaves to Henry VIII [her coronet was gold and rubies entwined with rosemary). Servicemen carried sprigs to remember lost friendships. It is also used at funerals; in fact, it was once used for preserving bodies during the winter which could not be buried outside. And old folklore also has thieves purged of their desire to steal when their feet were washed in rosemary.

This aromatic tender perennial evergreen is native to southern Europe, where it grows wild. It is a relic of cultivation in Britain and Ireland, with many uses until this day.

In the kitchen, it was & still is used as a flavouring (it is rubbed on meat, fish and poultry to prevent spoilage, as well as for flavour). Tea can be made from the flowers and leaves. It can be used in sugars, butters, breads, desserts, and jellies.

As a cosmetic, it is used as a rinse to highlight dark hair, stimulate hair growth, and get rid of dandruff.

Medicinally, it is an antiseptic, diuretic, and a good tonic for digestive ailments. It can be used in a massage oil for aching muscles and joint pains. As a gargle, it is used for bad breath (if the tea is drunk in the morning, it apparently keeps the breath fresh all day). It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and a carminative; use it for sluggish circulation and for headaches, colds, and even depression.

It is still used perfume (folkore says its scent came from the Virgin Mary hanging the garments of the infant Jesus to dry on the bush), and as incense for it is said to protect from fairies and evil spirits (there is a Christian tradition that tells how the Virgin Mary hid behind the bush on the flight out of Egypt and the flowers turned blue where her cloak touched them).

The word Rosemary is derived from the Latin ros (meaning dew or spray) and marinus (meaning the sea, as it tends to grow on cliffs in the Mediterranean).

Source:
Homegrown Tea [Cassie Liversidge]
Rodale's 21st Century Herbal [Michael J. Balick, PhD]
Medicinal Herbs: Complete Guide for N. American Herb Gardeners [P.Turcotte]
Four Chefs, One Garden : Seasons Of West Coast Living [Roy]
http://wildflowereurope.org/featured-species/
Folk Wisdom For A Natural Home [B. Pagram]

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While this looks a little like a pine bough, it is not: this is my rosemary plant. Or rather, it was. On a return from one of our trips overseas, we found it had not had an easy time during our absence. It was eventually replaced with another. It is very brave, for it has its challenges in our wet winter climate :)

Taken in natural light ; Undedited; Uncropped, : Nature in all its natural splendour.

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA Groups for featuring this image :

Serenity and Simplicity Outdoors
Macro Marvels
Macro Photography