Parsley... Green Leafy Goodness Parsley is an herb we use in medicines and food. The Ancient Greeks associated parsley with death, because it was supposed to have grown from the blood of Archemorus whose name means “Forerunner of death”. The winners of funeral games or athletic contests that were held in honor of one who had passed were crowned with parsley. There once was a saying “to be in need of parsley” meant someone was ill and not expected to live. At one time, gardens were bordered by parsley and rue, this lead to the saying “oh we are only at parsley and rue” which meant they were contemplating an undertaking, but it was not acted on as of yet. Needless to say parsley was never served at the dinner table back in those days. Romans did not eat parsley either, however, they did wear garlands of it at meal time, because they believed it would ward of intoxication. Also, at Roman weddings, wreaths made of parsley were given to the couple to protect them from evil spirits. The Romans did not believe in letting nursing mothers around parsley, either, for fear their infants would obtain epilepsy. England also associated parsley with death. They had a common saying “welsh parsley is a good physic” “Welsh Parsley” was signified as the Gallows Rope. In some English Counties, it was said “where parsley grows in the ground, there will be a death before the years end.” In Devonshire, they believed if you transplanted parsley it would upset the garden genies who watched over the parsley beds. Parsley is said to aid in a lot of health issues. It is a good source of antioxidants which makes it good for your heart and protects against rheumatoid arthritis. Nicholas Culpepper, a physician-astrologer, believed parsley could both bring on and relieve the discomforts of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Also, farmers once thought it prevented a number of diseases in sheep, so they planted large field of it just to become infested with rabbits. Growing parsley is easy, it can be done in containers, outdoors or hydroponically. Parsley usually grows to a height of 12 – 18 inches. One should really plant it indoors six weeks before the last frost, so it can get a head start. Then, after danger of frost is gone, it can be set outside. When you want to use it, take scissors and snip off some at the stem, so the stem can re-grow leaves. Parsley is a helpful seasoning to add to most meals. So enjoy the parsley! Researched by: Carrie Nicholas
