selinou

Updated: July 10, 2026

But the plant no doubt acquired its ominous significance from its having been largely used to bestrew the tombs of the dead; the Greek term "dehisthai selinou" to be in need of parsley was a common phrase employed to denote those on the point of death.

T. F. Thiselton (Thomas Firminger Thiselton) Dyer - The Folk-lore of Plants