Why the humble myrtle shrub has been a sacred botanical icon for millennia

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From ancient Mediterranean myths to modern royal weddings, the myrtle has held a unique place in human culture. Beyond its fragrant leaves and star-like flowers, this evergreen shrub has served as a symbol of love, a ritual tool in diverse religions, and a staple of traditional medicine for centuries.

The myrtle, or Myrtus, is a genus of flowering plants that has woven itself into the fabric of human history. First described by Linnaeus in 1753, the plant was known long before in the text of Leviticus. Its cultural footprint is vast: in Greek mythology, it was sacred to Aphrodite and Demeter, while in Roman tradition, it was the plant of Venus. The Aeneid even features a myrtle marking the grave of Polydorus, where the shrub bleeds when disturbed, linking the plant to the supernatural.

The plant's religious significance persists today. In Judaism, myrtle is one of the four species used during the festival of Sukkot, representing those who perform good deeds without formal Torah study. It also plays a role in Kabbalistic rites and Mandaean baptismal ceremonies. Beyond the sacred, it has practical applications; in Sardinia, it is used to produce the aromatic liqueur Mirto, and its berries have historically served as a pepper substitute in European cuisine, including in some versions of Mortadella.

Botanically, the genus is now restricted to two accepted species: the common myrtle, Myrtus communis, and the Saharan myrtle, Myrtus nivellei. While the former is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub, the latter is endemic to the mountains of the central Sahara. The plant's history in England is particularly storied, with its reintroduction in the 16th century linked to figures like Sir Walter Raleigh. Since Queen Victoria's wedding, a sprig of myrtle has remained a traditional inclusion in royal bridal bouquets, cementing its status as a living link to historical ceremony.

Despite its long history in traditional medicine—ranging from treating scalp ailments in ancient texts to stopping bleeding in Persian practices—modern scientific consensus remains cautious. Systematic reviews regarding its use for conditions like rhinosinusitis suggest that current data is insufficient to verify significant clinical benefits. Nevertheless, the myrtle remains a potent symbol, bridging the gap between ancient ritual, culinary tradition, and the enduring pageantry of modern royal life.

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