The History of Lavender through Time

The history of lavender is deeply interwoven with the tapestry of humanity - as exotic and flowing as its well-loved fragrance. This enchanting botanical from the mint family has caressed the lives of civilizations for thousands of centuries, touching myriad eras and regions, leaving traces of its presence in different forms - from the ancient scripts that mention it, to the beneficial aromatherapy it is for us today. 

It has been referred to over time as Spikenard by the Indians referring to the shape of the flowers, Nardus by the ancient Egyptians and Nard in the Bible. Today, it is widely known as just lavender.

The History of Lavender from Ancient Times

Lavender's earliest footprints take us back over 3,500 years, leading us through the varied landscapes of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India.

Notably, the ancient Egyptians regarded lavender highly, employing it in the complex process of mummification and using it as a precious perfume. A known fact is that lavender oil was so coveted that it was found among the treasures in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun when the tomb was opened in 1922 as an unguent or ointment.

These ointments were used by high priests and wealthy families in cosmetics, medicines, and as massage oils. Royal men would fill solid cones with this preparation and put them on their heads. As the heat of the day melted the ointment their entire bodies were covered in a heady lavender scent.

It is said that Cleopatra used lavender to charm Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Ladies in her time used to wear small lavender bags in their cleavages to woo suitors. And tying it to beds was to keep a lover faithful.

Lavender was used to perfume bed linen and clothes. We know that lavender is a powerful antibiotic that may help prevent some illnesses, but it was formerly thought to safeguard against bad fits.

In traditional Asian medicine, lavender was used for its cooling effects to help the 'Shen' or mind and to relax people and to give relief for mental issues. It was also used to heal wounds.

The History of Lavender in the Greco-Roman World

A watercolor of an historical marketplace in ancient Naarda in Syria

The Greeks and Romans contributed significantly to the propagation of lavender, recognizing and utilizing its strong antiseptic and remedial properties. In ancient Greece the Greeks adopted the Egyptian's use of aromatics and perfumes. Also calling lavender 'Nard'.

The Greek physician to the Roman army, Dioscorides, gave his soldiers lavender tea for sore throats, headaches and indigestion and it was also used to clean wounds. Lavender was believed to be a source of mental clarity and courage, giving men the strength to weather battles.

The Romans recognized lavender for its antiseptic and healing qualities as well as its ability to deter bugs and pests. They were known to add this advantageous herb to their bathhouses, soaps, and even incense, indulging in its captivating fragrance and its healing qualities. It was also strewn on the floors and as foot traffic crushed the flowers and seeds the air would be sweetened and filled with fragrance.

Pliny the Elder, well-known for his prolific recording of history wrote highly of the remarkable benefits of lavender to relieve dropsy, kidney disorders, digestive issues, menstrual-related issues, insect bites and even jaundice.

The the history of lavender as a name origin is understood to be a derivation from the Latin term 'lavare', which stands for 'to wash'. This is rooted in the common practice of using lavender in bathing rituals to not only cleanse the body but also to purify the spirit.

During the Renaissance and the Middle Ages in Europe, a connection between bathing and laundry washing began to surface. Laundrywomen of the time, often referred to as "lavenders," adopted the practice of drying their clothes on lavender bushes. This method was used to imbue their garments with the delightful fragrance of lavender.

In modern Italy today, a washing machine is called a lavatrice, and the act of washing is lavaggio, coming back to the Latin, 'lavare' which still means 'to wash' in Italian.

The History of Lavender's Importance in Religious Rituals and Scriptures

While lavender's name does not appear explicitly in the Holy Bible, several scholars believe that there are references to 'spikenard' or 'nard' - a plant from which a rare and costly ointment was derived, famously used by Mary to anoint the feet of Jesus, mentioned in the Song of Solomon, and elsewhere, could indeed be pointing towards lavender. It also played a significant role in many religious rites, transcending cultures and regions, and was valued for its purifying and protective attributes, again keeping evil spirits at bay. Monasteries and cloisters often nurtured lavender in their herb gardens, harvesting it for use in medicine and holy ceremonies.

The History of Lavender from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century

The Bubonic Plauge in 15th Century England

Throughout the Middle Ages, lavender continued to command respect across Europe. At one time it was only grown by monks in monasteries, but soon it was a staple element of every household's herb patch, prized not only for its inviting scent but also its inherent antibacterial and antiviral attributes, making it a reliable ally during outbreaks of plague and other infectious diseases.

By the 16^th century lavender was already a highly prized and well-loved plant in their gardens. It was thought during this time that glove makers were immune to cholera because they used the plant to scent their products and never seemed to be affected.

During the Bubonic Plague, people tied lavender sprigs to ward off the disease. As lavender is a flea repellent, and fleas on rats were the source of the plague, the lavender may well have helped many to survive these trying times.

When the Plague swept through Toulouse in France four thieves ransacked the city with out getting ill. When they were caught and were about to be sentenced, the judge offered them a plea deal that if they divulged their secret they would avoid punishment. It was then that their concoction was revealed, forever known as the Four Thieves Vinegar. It consisted of lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme steeped in vinegar which they consumed.

Lavender was frequently fashioned into wreaths to grace weddings and other festivities, symbolizing love, purity, and serenity. It was believed that the sprinkle of scented water on a lover's head would keep the person faithful.

By the time the Renaissance period rolled around, lavender had pervaded all corners of Europe and was well-loved by royalty and commoners alike. Notably, Queen Elizabeth I of England was famously known to insist on fresh lavender in her presence at all times, using it as fragrance and as an ingredient for concocting her migraine-relieving tea. She also demanded access to lavender conserve at all times. This proved challenging for the royal household when lavender was no longer in bloom! Lavender water used as a perfume became popular with ladies of her time and in fact, lavender perfume is one of the oldest types of perfume in England still used today.

Queen Bess wasn't the only royal member who was partial to lavender. King Louis XIV, the Sun King, enjoyed lavender baths.

By the time the 17^th century rolled in lavender was so well known that Thomas Culpeper, the English herbalist gave no details of this herb in his works. Instead he said, 'This is so well known, being an inhabitant in almost every Garden, that it needth no Description.'

Queen Victoria was also partial to lavender, so much so, that she appointed a woman as the “Purvey of Essential Lavender to the Queen.” By that time Mitcham, just south of London was the main growing area and the center of oil production in England at that time.

In the 19^th century, gypsy travelers sold lavender bouquets on the streets of London to protect them from others with malicious intent and to bring them luck. On St. John's Day in Portugal and Spain, lavender was spread on church floors or thrown into bonfires to ward off bad-spirits.

In Tuscany, Italy an ancient tradition to ward off evil spirits was to pin a sprig of lavender to one's shirt.

By the early 20^th century the popularity of lavender had waned as it was seen as an old woman's perfume and people sought out more modern beauty products.

The History of Lavender's Role in Folklore and Witchcraft

In folklore and witchcraft, lavender took on the characters of a symbol of love and a bringer of protection. It was considered to draw peace, happiness, and restful sleep. Bunches of lavender were often hung above doors and windows to ward off malevolent spirits and its presence in pillows was believed to induce calming sleep and dreams.

Lavender's Commercial Journey

Commercial cultivation of lavender saw its inception in a serious form in the 17th century, particularly in the regions of England and France. The lavender fields in Provence, France, are famous worldwide, becoming an emblem of the global lavender industry. The unique combination of climate and soil conditions in Provence created the perfect environment for yielding high-grade lavender oil, extensively employed in perfume making, cosmetic manufacturing, and medicinal uses.

 Lavender Today

In today's age, the popularity of lavender has had a rebirth. More people are now discovering its amazing benefits and properties. Its calming and soothing characteristics have led to its diverse applications in an array of products ranging from essential oils to cuisine-related uses.

Additionally, lavender festivals organized around the globe, right from Sequim, Washington, in the USA, to the lavender fields of Provence, give testament to the universal adulation this versatile plant commands. Its appeal in gardens, for its aesthetic value as well as its ability to attract pollinating creatures, is experiencing continuous growth.

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The enduring history of lavender is an ode to its timeless appeal and adaptability. Its journey from ancient burial sites to modern wellness spas is a testament to its comforting and mesmerizing effect on humanity.

The influences of lavender across diverse cultures and epoch-spanning history points to an unchanging truth - the power of simplicity of nature to bridge gaps across continents and generations, touching souls and minds in countless ways.

With its intoxicating scent and a host of benefits, lavender continues to remain a universal emblem of freshness, tranquility, and healing power - verily a botanical treasure that has been valued beyond measure through the passages of time.