Rosemary is for Remembrance

Rosemary is for Remembrance

Rosemary is a symbol of commemoration in Australia

The Rosemary plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance, and is believed to improve memory.

So it’s a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who died.

The aromatic herb grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkey, where the original Anzacs served in World War I. Australians traditionally wear sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day.

As the tale goes, a wounded digger brought home a small rosemary bush from ANZAC Cove. He planted it in the grounds of the Army Hospital at Keswick, South Australia, and cuttings from that bush have been used to propagate rosemary plants across Australia.

In the 1980s, cuttings of plants from Gallipoli were planted in nurseries throughout Australia to support Avenues of Honour.

On special days of commemoration, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, Australians often wear a small sprig of rosemary. Usually, it’s pinned onto a coat lapel, near to the heart, or held in place by medals.