The Legend of the Moor’s
The legend of the Moor’s head goes back to the XI century, during the Moors domination in Sicily, and as in most legends, is once again Cupid’s fault (or merit). The story takes place in Palermo, in the district of the Kalsa (the Arabic district of Palermo). Here lived a beautiful girl, who used to look out on the balcony while taking care of her plants. A Moor, one day, saw her and was so fascinated by this girl that he wanted to show her all his love with sweet talks. The beautiful girl returned the love, but that young man hid a secret: soon he would return to the East, and, moreover, there would have been a family waiting for him, composed of his wife and children.
The young Sicilian, wounded in pride and pierced by what she had believed could be the great love of her life, planned an act of cruel revenge. One night, while the Moor was asleep, she killed him and cut off his head so that he could never return to his family, staying with her forever.
The head became a vase, where basil was planted, a plant linked to divine symbolism and always associated with sacredness. From here, then, the name Moor’s Head was given to the vase. Inside that vase, the basil grew luxuriant, thanks also to the bitter tears shed by the girl. The beauty of the plant aroused envy in the inhabitants of the neighborhood, which started to ask the local artisans to craft some pots of clay with the same shape.
There are many variations all across Sicily, and once you recognize them you will see them in many locations in Italy, as they are very much appreciated!
