Assumption - Holiday Service with Blessing of Herbs

General infos

The custom of the blessing of herbs on Assumption is still very much alive, especially in rural areas. Flowers from the garden, medicinal herbs, fruit and wheat stalks are tied up in a bouquet and consecrated with a prayer of blessing. The Catholic Church sees the blessing of herbs especially as an expression of respect for the creation and healing power of herbs as a symbol of God’s devotion to mankind. The connection between Mary and the herbs is based on legends from the early days of the Church. They tell how the Son of God took his Mother up into heaven, and the Apostles only found more roses when they opened the tomb. The words of blessing for the blessing of herbs: “Let us pray. Lord our God, Thou hast raised Mary above all creatures and received Her into Heaven. On Her feast we thank Thee for all the wonders of Thy creation. Through medicinal herbs and flowers Thou givest us health and joy. Bless these herbs and flowers. They remind us of Thy glory and the richness of Thy life. Grant us Thy salvation through the intercession of Mary. Let us come to eternal communion with Thee and one day join in the praise of all creation that praises Thee through Thy Son Jesus Christ forevermore. Amen.” The blessing of herbs mixes tradition and piety, folk belief and contemporary religion combined with the need to preserve the things that conserve values.