They are often added to soups or stews, but bay leaves possess a power far greater than simply flavoring your dishes. For centuries, they have also been considered protectors of the home – capable of bringing balance, serenity, and abundance.
In Mediterranean, Slavic, and Eastern traditions, the kitchen was the heart of the home, a sacred space where the energies of food, warmth, and family flowed. Placing a few bay leaves in the corners or near the stove was intended to ward off negative influences, preserve the freshness of food, and strengthen domestic peace. A symbolic practice, but also… very practical!
