I have to admit that I am not very familiar with myrtle. In the south there are many crape myrtle trees but it isn’t often that in the northeast one experiences myrtle. Yet it is a lovely flower resting upon bushes or trees. Myrtle is known as the flower of the gods and was sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Erato, the muse of marriage and love, also wore a crown of roses and myrtle. So I say bring on the myrtle for your wedding and bask in the love it signifies!
The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
By Christopher Marlowe
Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove,
That Valleys, groves, hills, and fields,
Woods, or steepy mountain yields.
And we will sit upon the Rocks,
Seeing the Shepherds feed their flocks,
By shallow Rivers to whose falls
Melodious birds sing Madrigals.
And I will make thee beds of Roses
And a thousand fragrant posies,
A cap of flowers, and a kirtle
Embroidered all with leaves of Myrtle;
A gown made of the finest wool
Which from our pretty Lambs we pull;
Fair lined slippers for the cold,
With buckles of the purest gold;
A belt of straw and Ivy buds,
With Coral clasps and Amber studs:
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me, and be my love.
The Shepherds’ Swains shall dance and sing
For thy delight each May-morning:
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me, and be my love.
XOXO Rachel
Wondrance 