“Herb bushes” – healing effects and a religious background

The herbs are collected on the evening before Assumption Day and tied into bunches. In the centre of the bundle is usually the mullein, also known as Mary’s candle. On 15th of August, the bundle of herbs is blessed and then hung in the house to protect against misfortune.

The tying of bunches of herbs is a Catholic custom. It goes back to St. Mary. According to the legend, her grave was empty and instead of her body, there were flowers inside. So bunches of herbs are tied together and blessed on August 15th during a church service.