Myrtle (Myrtus communis) as a Ritual Plant in the Holy Land—a Comparative Study in Relation to Ancient Traditions

Abstract

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) as a Ritual Plant in the Holy Land—a Comparative Study in Relation to Ancient Traditions. This article surveys the present-day ritual uses of myrtle (Myrtus communis) among Druze, Muslims, and Christians in the Holy Land, and compares current practices to traditions of the ancient world. Based on the use of myrtle in sacrifice in Sumer, and the important role of myrtle for the Zoroastrians, we suggest that the religious and ritual aspects of this plant originated in Mesopotamia. The later ritual use of myrtle by other religions (especially Judaism) is considered a result of syncretism during previous periods of cultural contact and common history.