According to myth, the beautiful Daphne was changed into a bay leaf after she escaped the clutches of Apollo. Apollo was then said to have made his crown out of bay leaves and branches to remember her forever.
Ancient Greeks and Romans crowned victors with wreaths of laurel, otherwise known as bay leaf. The term "baccalaureate," means laurel berry, and refers to the ancient practice of honoring scholars and poets with garlands from the bay laurel tree.
In the 17th century it was believed that bay leaves repelled witchcraft. Pots of bay were placed in front of doorways in order to ward off evil spells and curses.
It was also believed that bay would prevent one's house from being struck by lightning.
Ancient Greeks and Romans crowned victors with wreaths of laurel, otherwise known as bay leaf. The term "baccalaureate," means laurel berry, and refers to the ancient practice of honoring scholars and poets with garlands from the bay laurel tree.
In the 17th century it was believed that bay leaves repelled witchcraft. Pots of bay were placed in front of doorways in order to ward off evil spells and curses.
It was also believed that bay would prevent one's house from being struck by lightning.