In classical times, wreaths of laurel were bestowed as a symbol of honor (hence our term "laureate"). The Romans attributed great power to the plant. During storms, the fearless emperor Tiberius (42 BC-AD 37) could always be found under his bed, a laurel wreath upon his head. According to Ovid, the laurel is thus distinguished because Daphne metamorphosed herself into this tree rather than surrender herself to Phoebus, whom Cupid had wounded. Perhaps it's because laurel was venerated so vastly as a protector and a symbol of greatness and honor that the death of a tree was considered an evil omen. In fact, in 1629, the bubonic plague broke out in Padua, Italy, after the laurel trees of the city all died. Laurel was also strewn on medieval floors for its strong aroma and antiseptic properties.
From The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques Rolland and Carol Sherman
