ANZAC Day and Rosemary
Rosemary has a special connection to ANZAC Day and is worn alongside red poppies as a symbol of remembrance. This aromatic herb is associated with both memory and remembrance, making it particularly fitting for ANZAC Day commemorations.
Why Rosemary?
- Connection to Gallipoli: Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, where the ANZAC troops fought during World War I. Because of this, rosemary became closely linked to the memories of the soldiers who fought and died in that campaign.
- Symbol of Remembrance: Rosemary has long been regarded as a symbol of memory and remembrance. In literature and ancient traditions, it was often associated with honoring the dead and remembering loved ones. This symbolic meaning has carried over to ANZAC Day, where rosemary sprigs are worn as a sign of respect for those who served in wars.
Wearing Rosemary on ANZAC Day
- On April 25, it is common for people to wear a sprig of rosemary on their lapels, particularly during Dawn Services and ANZAC Day marches. The act of wearing rosemary, like wearing a red poppy, serves as a personal tribute to the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
- Some people also place sprigs of rosemary on memorials and graves as a gesture of remembrance.
Modern Traditions
While the red poppy is the more widely recognized symbol of ANZAC Day, rosemary is still widely used, especially in Australia and New Zealand, as a complementary emblem. Both plants serve as reminders of the bravery and endurance of the ANZACs and all who have served in conflicts since.
Thus, rosemary’s use on ANZAC Day connects deeply with both the physical landscape of Gallipoli and the long-standing cultural association of the herb with memory and remembrance.
