Why do people wear sprigs of Rosemary on Anzac Day?

Posted by Ian FAIRNIE on Apr 28, 2025
 
Many 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. 
 
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. 

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.  It is also commonly placed on coffins at funeral services.

So save your Poppies for Remembrance Day, on 11 November.  In Flander’s fields . . . . . 

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
                            In Flanders fields.

 

“Flanders fields” is a common English name of the World War I battlefields in Belgium and France.