Australians wear rosemary sprigs on Anzac Day. It's a symbol of commemoration for those who served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace operations. The tradition stems from rosemary bushes that grow wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye. Anzac Day is held on 25 April, the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I.
History of its symbolism
Rosemary is an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance.
Greek scholars believed the aromatic herb rosemary improved memory. Their students allegedly wore it in their hair during exams.
In Roman times, people burned rosemary or placed it in tombs to honour and remember the dead. Pliny the Elder, who died in 79 AD, and other Roman writers described the use of rosemary in funeral ceremonies. It was a custom that eventually spread throughout Europe.
William Shakespeare referenced this symbolism in the play Hamlet, written between 1599 and 1601. His character Ophelia says, 'There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember'.
So, it's a fitting commemorative symbol to help us remember those who served and those who suffered or died.
Links with Gallipoli
More than 50,000 Australians served in the Gallipoli Campaign, and more than 8,700 of them lost their lives. After Gallipoli, many of the original Anzacs served in Europe on the Western Front, and some served again in World War II.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. Its native distribution is in the Mediterranean region, Portugal and Spain.
During World War I, a hospital in Daw Park, South Australia, was operating as Keswick Military Hospital. In the 1980s, a gardener at the hospital recalled the history of the rosemary on the grounds. The gardener told David Lawry OAM that a wounded soldier repatriated to South Australia in 1915 brought with him a cutting of rosemary from Gallipoli. The sprig was planted and later propagated. Cuttings from the hospital gardens were sent to nurseries throughout Australia to support Avenues of Honour.
What it means to us today
Wearing rosemary has become a traditional symbol of remembrance and commemoration in Australia.
On Anzac Day, and sometimes on Remembrance Day and other special days of commemoration, we wear a small sprig of rosemary.
Usually, it's pinned onto a coat lapel, on the left near the heart, or held in place by war service medals.
Learn more about wearing medals, rosemary and poppies.
Engage more with this topic
Short animation and picture book
Watch our 1-minute video, which supports learning in the Here They Come big book for primary school students.
Rosemary sprigs for remembrance
You could pick some rosemary and wear it on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day.
You may have a rosemary bush in your garden. Or you could find it growing near the war memorial in your local community.
Make a rosemary wreath using rosemary branches and gum nuts. It will look and smell amazing.
To make your wreath look truly commemorative, add a splash of colour with some home-made red poppies.