During the Black Death, posies served a dual purpose – they were not only used as personal mobile air fresheners but also believed to have prophylactic properties. Let’s delve into the specifics of how posies were used and the reasoning behind their usage during this devastating plague.
1. Personal Air Fresheners:
Posies, also known as nosegays, were small bouquets of flowers and herbs that people carried with them or held up to their noses to mask the foul odors associated with the plague. The stench of decay and death permeated the air during the Black Death, as bodies piled up and sanitation was severely lacking. In such a dire situation, the pleasant scent of flowers provided momentary relief for individuals, helping to combat the overwhelming stench and creating a more pleasant environment amidst the chaos.
2. Prophylactic Beliefs:
Beyond their aromatic qualities, posies were also believed to possess protective powers against the plague. During the medieval times, people had limited knowledge of the causes and spread of diseases, and thus turned to various superstitious beliefs and practices to ward off illness. Aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and the concept of “miasma” (the belief that diseases were spread through noxious odors) were prevalent during this period.
The idea behind using posies as prophylactics was rooted in the belief that the strong scent of certain flowers and herbs could purify the air and repel disease-causing miasma. It was thought that carrying or sniffing a posy would create a protective barrier, preventing the entry of harmful vapors into the body. This belief was further strengthened by the notion that pleasant smells were associated with cleanliness and health, while foul odors were seen as signs of disease and death.
3. Choice of Flowers and Herbs:
The specific flowers and herbs used in posies during the Black Death varied, but certain ones were commonly chosen for their perceived protective properties. Some popular choices included:
– Lavender: Known for its calming aroma, lavender was believed to have antiseptic properties and was thought to ward off disease.
– Rosemary: Considered a symbol of remembrance and purification, rosemary was often included in posies to provide protection against the plague.
– Mint: With its refreshing scent, mint was believed to have invigorating and cleansing properties, helping to combat the presence of disease.
– Sage: Known for its strong fragrance, sage was thought to purify the air and ward off evil spirits, including those associated with disease.
These flowers and herbs were often combined in various combinations to create posies with different scents and purported benefits.
Personal Experience:
As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had the opportunity to research and explore the historical uses of plants during different periods, including the Black Death. While the efficacy of using posies as prophylactics against the plague may seem unfounded to us today, it is important to understand the context and beliefs of the time. The harsh realities of the plague forced people to grasp at any semblance of hope or protection, leading to the popular usage of posies as both air fresheners and prophylactics.
During the Black Death, posies served as both personal air fresheners and believed prophylactics. They were carried or sniffed to mask the foul odors associated with the plague and were believed to possess protective properties against the disease. The choice of flowers and herbs in posies was based on their perceived cleansing and purifying qualities. While these practices may seem superstitious to us today, they offer a glimpse into the desperate measures people took during one of the deadliest pandemics in history.
