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 sempervirens as the leading cemetery tree.As endemic use we can indicate the essential role of S. fruticosa as the main plant used in all human rites of passage symbolizing the human life cycle. The rosemary is of European origin while the use of basil is of Indian influence.The use of white flowers as cemeteries plants reflects an old European influence and almost the same species are used or their congeners. Most of the trees and shrubs that are planted in Muslim cemeteries in Israel have the same use in ancient as well in modern European cultures.In conclusion, our findings on the occurrence of plants in graveyards reflect the geographic situation of Israel as a crossroads in the cultural arena between Asia and Europe. Most of the traditions are common to the whole Middle East showing high relatedness to the classical world as well as to the present-day Europe.

The implications of ritual practices and ritual plant uses on nature conservation: a case study among the Naxi in Yunnan Province, Southwest China

“…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.…”

Rituals, ceremonies and customs related to sacred trees with a special reference to the Middle East

“…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].…”

Sacred sites in north‐western Morocco – naturalness of their vegetation and conservation value for vulnerable plant species

“…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.…”

“…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.…”