De(n) grote(n) herbari met al sijn figuere(n) 1526

This printed page, dating back to the 16th century, features herbal remedies, emphasizing the cultural importance of plants and their symbolic roles. Dominating the text is rosemary, a motif deeply embedded in history and memory. In antiquity, rosemary symbolized remembrance, a concept that transcends mere memorial, influencing both the subconscious and conscious realms. Think of Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet. The plant is not only a guide to memory, but also a potent emblem of fidelity and love, often worn by brides or placed on graves. This gesture recurs across time and space. Consider the Victorian era, when rosemary sprigs were commonly given to mourners at funerals, symbolizing remembrance of the deceased. This evolution shows how symbols are adapted and reinterpreted. The plant, therefore, is a poignant emblem that transcends mere memorial, touching the realms of love, loss, and fidelity.