Herb bushes are consecrated in the service on the Assumption of Mary. But few know how many different plants belong in it according to old tradition.
Gaißach - The Catholics celebrate the feast of the Assumption on August 15th. Traditionally, herb bushes are blessed at church services on this day. But what is the meaning of this custom and what do the herbs stand for? The Tölzer Kurier asked herbalist Elisabeth Rechthaler from Gaißach.
What is this custom about?
The herbs are collected in honor of the Mother of God, but also as a symbol of healing, which is why they are also called Marian or women's herbs. From August 15th to September 12th the so-called woman thirty. During these four weeks Mary is especially venerated and remembered. Ideally there are 77 herbs. Of course, this is usually not feasible, but I definitely get 50 different ones together.
Which herbs go into the bush?
To name just a few: lady's mantle, goldenrod, yarrow, ribwort, nettle, rowanberry, St. John's wort, linden leaves or - very importantly - the rose. Woodruff or wild garlic have to be picked earlier in the year. But you can also take them away dried. Herb bushes are about symbolism and mysticism on the one hand, but of course the healing powers of plants on the other, which are supposed to increase well-being or prevent diseases. The blessing in the church then gives double protection. Many of the plants, such as lady's mantle, help with typical women's ailments. It is said that plants with yellow flowers are good for the psyche or those with five petals reminiscent of a pentagram protect the heart. The mullein with the symbolic finger pointing to the sky is placed in the middle of the herb bunch, around which the other herbs that have been collected are arranged. Everyone can do that as they please.
Where do you find these many different herbs?
If you know your way around, you can actually find them everywhere: on walks in the forest and in the meadow. I recently struck gold by the roadside. You have to go through the world with open eyes - and when you deal with it, you actually recognize it more and more easily.
What do you do with the herb bush?
When it is blessed, it is placed in a vase in the Herrgottswinkel or some other beautiful place without water. It should protect the house and yard, for example from lightning strikes. Personally, I always burn the herb bushes from last year and throw the ashes in the garden. But you can also mix them with cattle feed.
Ines Gokus asked the questions