Marjoram and oregano share the genus "originum," but they are not the same. Although marjoram is a specific type of oregano, it is milder. It develops its best aroma in warm climates. A type of marjoram grown in Jordan, Lebanon and Israel is known as "zahtar."
Greek legend has it that marjoram, also known as joy-of-the-mountain, developed its aroma when touched by Venus, the goddess of love. If marjoram grew on a gravesite, it was thought the spirit of the deceased was peaceful and happy. To learn the identity of your future spouse, you could sleep in the presence of the herb, and you would dream of your as-yet-unknown love. Wreaths of marjoram were used to crown newly married couples in ancient Greece and Rome to bring them love, honor and happiness.
It was similarly used in the Middle Ages, carried at weddings or displayed in bouquets. As it was also thought to have antiseptic qualities, it was used in the rooms of the sick, and sometimes scattered over the floor at funerals.
It has been used for bathing and in the purification of temples in biblical times.
Marjoram was another witchcraft antidote as well. It was said that "...no person who had sold herself to the devil could abide it," according to Charles Skinner in the 1915 book "Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits and Plants."
Marjoram's medical uses have included drinking honeyed marjoram tea to preserve and strengthen the voice; as a remedy for snake poison; as a mood stabilizer; as a digestive aid; as a toothache cure, by chewing the leaves; and as an inhalant in steam for sinus and laryngitis problems. It has been seen as helpful to ensure a long life.
Greek legend has it that marjoram, also known as joy-of-the-mountain, developed its aroma when touched by Venus, the goddess of love. If marjoram grew on a gravesite, it was thought the spirit of the deceased was peaceful and happy. To learn the identity of your future spouse, you could sleep in the presence of the herb, and you would dream of your as-yet-unknown love. Wreaths of marjoram were used to crown newly married couples in ancient Greece and Rome to bring them love, honor and happiness.
It was similarly used in the Middle Ages, carried at weddings or displayed in bouquets. As it was also thought to have antiseptic qualities, it was used in the rooms of the sick, and sometimes scattered over the floor at funerals.
It has been used for bathing and in the purification of temples in biblical times.
Marjoram was another witchcraft antidote as well. It was said that "...no person who had sold herself to the devil could abide it," according to Charles Skinner in the 1915 book "Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits and Plants."
Marjoram's medical uses have included drinking honeyed marjoram tea to preserve and strengthen the voice; as a remedy for snake poison; as a mood stabilizer; as a digestive aid; as a toothache cure, by chewing the leaves; and as an inhalant in steam for sinus and laryngitis problems. It has been seen as helpful to ensure a long life.