Folklore Of Bay

Folklore Of Bay

The Bay tree is an ancient symbol of wisdom, peace and cultural excellence. It is also an her that signifies love and protection.

• The Ancient Greeks dedicated Bay to the god Apollo, and also to his son Asclepius, the god of medicine. Bay was said to be sacred to Apollo in honor of his first love , the nymph Daphne, who was changed into a Bay Laurel tree by her father, the river god Peneus, to save her from being caught by Apollo.

• Bay symbolizes sporting excellence at the Olympic Games - a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. Bay replaced the olive branch in this role because of the influence of the Pythian games at Delphi, which were dedicated to Apollo.

• The Ancient Romans decorated their homes with Evergreen wreaths of Bay leaves to celebrate their winter festival of Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, god of agriculture. Bay is still a large feature of the Christmas wreath.

• A symbol of undying affection, lovers exchanged boughs of Bay in ancient times. Sprigs of Bay are sometimes still included in bridal bouquets in European weddings.

• During Medieval times, Bay trees were planted to protect the farmstead from lightning. The sudden death of the tree was said to foretell impending disaster.