Basil and the Bee

Basil:
a. An Old World aromatic annual herb (Ocimum basilicum) in the mint family, cultivated for its leaves. Also called sweet basil.

Basil originates from India. Its name is short for the Greek words basilikon pluton, which means ‘kingly herb’ or the Greek word basilicon, meaning ‘royal remedy.’ The word Ocimum is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘I feel.’ It came to Europe via the Middle East, and the Egyptians passed on their knowledge of basil to the Europeans.

In Europe, basil is a symbol of fertility, and in Italy it is known as a symbol of love because the leaves resemble hearts. Italian women would wear basil to charm and bewitch a man of their desire. Basil would also be added to food when it was thought that Venus’s enticing powers of love were failing to provide the desired results. (http://aromaticamedica.tripod.com/id22.html)

Maybe I should create a necklace? Or maybe they wore basil and nothing else?

I took this photo in my backyard in Satellite Beach. This bee is obviously enticed.