Heather
Heather can be found growing wild in many colours but it is the white
variety that is considered to be lucky. This belief is thought to be
because it was the only type of heather left which was free from bloodstains
when the Picts were slaughtered. Scotland of course is famous for heather
where similar reasons for white heather being lucky apply. It is said
that "heather will never grow over the grave of the clans".
Hemp
It was believed that working in hemp fields would bring on sterility,
and women were forbidden from doing so in fear that they would become
barren (although it was still used in marriage divination). Devon folk,
UK, traditionally believed that on Valentine's Day a young girl should
walk from the church porch to the home half-an-hour after midnight if
she wanted to see the wraith of her future husband following behind
her. As she went the girl should scatter hemp seed and look to see the
man raking the seed into ground behind her.
Honeysuckle
It was believed that a wedding would soon occur if this plant was brought
into a house whilst placing the flower in a female's bedroom was reputed
to encourage erotic dreams.
Hyssop
One of the oldest herbs known and reputed to be used to clean the outside
of sacred buildings, hence it was known as a holy herb (it is also mentioned
in the bible with this connection). Aromatic dark green leaves and can
have pink, white or blue flowers. A strong minty taste and smell. Traditionally
believed to help with chest complaints so was taken to promote perspiration.
Also used for rheumatic pains.
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