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Blessing Herbs on the Feast of the Assumption: An Annual Tradition

Posted on August 15, 2021 by Andrea Forsberg

Blessing Herbs on the Feast of the Assumption: An Annual Tradition

Blessing Herbs on the Feast of the Assumption: An Annual Tradition

Every year on August 15th, Catholics across the world celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This day is a celebration of Mary's assumption into heaven and commemorates the death of her son Jesus. It is also an annual tradition for people to bless their herbs and flowers to pay respect and gratitude to the gift of life. Today, we will explore the history of this tradition, what it means to people in present times, and various ways one can participate. 

History

The Assumption is a traditional Catholic feast day celebrating the bodily assumption into Heaven of the Virgin Mary. The event, considered by some to be one of seven signs that Jesus will come again, and has been commemorated for years. The tradition of blessing herbs on this day has been going on for centuries, with groups and individuals gathering to bless their plants and flowers. Respect is given to the natural powers of plants because of their ability to provide us with food, shelter, and medicine. These gifts from God remind us that he is the source of all life and creativity.

There are many reasons why this tradition is important to the religious community today, but one of the most significant reasons is that it reminds us of God's love and care for all of us on earth and in the afterlife. The Assumption is a sign that God loves each one of us so dearly, he doesn't want to let us go.

In the Catholic faith, this day is also a reminder of Mary's leadership and guidance for us in our spiritual lives. She was the first to live in faith.

How To Celebrate

The feast day is celebrated with a solemn Mass, which includes people blessing their herbs and flowers to signify Mary's incorruptibility. This prayer acknowledges how God created plants for our use as food and medicine but recognizes them also as his gift of beauty. 

Here are some common ways people celebrate: 

  • Blessing herbs and flowers
  • Listening to music from the era of Mary's Assumption into heaven (traditional Catholic songs or hymns). 
  • Making a list of things that they are grateful for - often including loved ones, their health, food on the table, and other blessings.
  • Writing a letter to loved ones or writing in their prayer journal about things they are grateful for. 
  • Reading scripture passages and prayers about Mary. 
  • Spending time in nature, as one of the oldest traditions, is that God created plants for our use as food and medicine but also as a gift of beauty.

As you can see, the religious community has been gathering for years to bless their plants and flowers on August 15th. The tradition of blessing herbs on this day is important for many reasons, but one of the most significant reasons is that it reminds us about God's love and care for all of us on earth and in the afterlife. The Assumption also serves as a reminder of Mary's leadership and guidance in our spiritual lives. She was the first to live by faith - something we should strive to do every day. When you celebrate today with your loved ones or alone, take time to give thanks for all the blessings you've received from God so far in your life because he loves each person dearly who walks his path here on Earth. If you need any flowers to participate in the celebration, please feel free to connect with us here. In honor of this day, I hope that everyone will spend time in nature to remember God's love and care for all of us.

Posted in Blessing of Herbs, Herbs, Maria Himmelfahrt

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