2006
DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-2-38
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Ritual plants of Muslim graveyards in northern Israel

Abstract: This article surveys the botanical composition of 40 Muslim graveyards in northern Israel, accompanied by an ethnobotanical study of the folkloristic traditions of the use of these plants in cemeteries.Three groups of plants were found to be repeated systematically and were also recognized for their ritual importance: aromatics herbs (especially Salvia fruticosa and Rosmarinus officinalis), white flowered plants (mainly Narcissus tazetta, Urginea maritima, Iris spp. and Pancratium spp.) and Cupressus sempervir… Show more

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Cited by 31 publications
(18 citation statements)
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“…A study states that sacred trees grow near holy water sources [15], and Baidi-Naxi also have ritual trees close to the Dragon Pool at the Baishuitai. The most common function of the holy trees is to serve as the abode of the spirit [16] and the white flower around the headwaters symbolize purity [17]. The incense has had a continuous religious significance throughout the history from the first civilization to the present day.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…A study states that sacred trees grow near holy water sources [15], and Baidi-Naxi also have ritual trees close to the Dragon Pool at the Baishuitai. The most common function of the holy trees is to serve as the abode of the spirit [16] and the white flower around the headwaters symbolize purity [17]. The incense has had a continuous religious significance throughout the history from the first civilization to the present day.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…When our informants were asked why they used incense (under the sacred tree) the answers were: for barakeh ( 16 ), to honour the saint ( 9 ), against the evil eye ( 4 , as it is known in Jewish communities [[ 108 ]:13] as well as in the Arab traditions [[ 19 ]:148] and for a good odour ( 5 ). The common incense stuff is dried leaves of Salvia fruticosa which is frequently used locally also in rites of passage [[ 110 ]: passim]. The burning of incense is very common at saints' shrines [[ 107 ]:2–3; Palestine [ 19 ]:148,249; Morocco, [ 18 ]: I: 123].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…in the Near East (Dafni et al. ). The occurrence of introduced and planted species on sacred sites has not been extensively studied up to now.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Planting of herbs and trees in Muslim graveyards is much more common in other countries, e.g. in the Near East (Dafni et al 2006). The occurrence of introduced and planted species on sacred sites has not been extensively studied up to now.…”
Section: Naturalness Of the Vegetation On Sacred Sites In Northern Momentioning
confidence: 99%