The bay laurel is a plant personified in Greek mythology. {Greek word Daphne, or Daphne of Apollo=Bay laurel.}
Apollo was the god of the sun, light and music in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. He was also associated with youth and beauty.
The curse of Apollo was brought onto him when he insulted the young Eros (Cupid) for playing with bow and arrows. As the myth says, the insulted Eros (Cupid) took two arrows, one of gold and one of lead. With the leaden shaft, to incite hatred, he shot the nymph Daphne and with the golden one, to incite love, he shot Apollo through the heart. Apollo went crazy over Daphne, and she in turn abhorred him.
Apollo continually followed her. Seeing that Apollo was bound to catch her, she called upon her father, "Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger!".
Suddenly, her skin turned into bark, her hair became leaves, her arms were transformed into branches, and her feet became rooted to the ground...
Apollo used his powers of youth to render her ever green. Since then, the leaves of the bay laurel plant have never known decay.
Hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend! xx
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
