The Manjerico is a small pot of Basil traditionally given in
Portugal as a symbol of love or friendship on June 13th, St.
Anthony's Day. As well as being Patron
Saint of Lost things St Anthony is also the Saint of Weddings.
Known as “Valentine´s herb” the manjerico is a popular plant
at Saint Anthony’s parties in Lisbon. According to tradition, during the
celebrations of the Saints in June, a boy offers a manjerico, which is a little
potted plants of newly sprouted Basil, to his girlfriend. In the plant, is
placed a paper-mache flower and a small flag on which a popular verse of love
or friendship is written. Offering a manjerico is almost like a vow.
Manjerico que te
deram
Amor que te querem
dar
Recebeste o manjerico
O amor fica a esperar
Manjerico given to
you
Wishes to give you Love
Receive the basil
Love is waiting
The manjerico’s tradition says that one should not smell the
plant directly, as this makes it dry faster. Therefore, the correct way to feel
their fragrance is to move your hand gently on the plant and then smell your
hand.
The Manjerico is an aromatic plant, and requires much care.
The girls who receive one must look after them for a year, until the following
year’s celebration, when hopefully a new one will be received.
Popular Saints Festivals
Popular Saints Festivals
I never knew this! What a lovely idea!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you should take care of the plant, unlike a Valentine card which you might just put away. The festival of St John later in June is funnier. They hit each other over the head with leeks or plastic hammers!
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