Marjoram in Greek and Roman culture

Marjoram, a member of the Lamiaceae family grows in gardens around the world and is a favorite in English country gardens.

Marjoram was one of the herbs and spices used by the ancient Egyptians in the embalming process.

It was sacred to the god Hymen, who was responsible for marriages (his mother was Venus, the Greek’s Aphrodite, goddess of love).

The ancient Romans called marjoram the ‘herb of happiness’. Greek and Roman newlyweds wore garlands of marjoram upon their heads to bless them with marital bliss.

Many cultures believed that marjoram could increase longevity. Growing it on a gravesite was meant to comfort the departed one buried there. Ancient Greeks planted marjoram on the graves of their beloved in the belief that by doing so the deceased would enjoy eternal peace and happiness.
Marjoram in Greek and Roman culture