Some various and interesting facts and lore about:
OREGANO/MARJORAM Origanum spp.

Origin: Spain/Mediterranean
Greeks called it: 'Joy of the Mountains'
Oregano was thought to be precious to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, Goddess of love. It was said to comfort the dead when it grew on their grave. If you anoint yourself with oregano before sleeping, you will dream of your future spouse.

There is a confusion of species among the oregano/marjoram varieties. There is a theory the modern varieties we have now probably originated from the same plant but specimens were taken to different areas and thus developed differently into the species we now have: Greek oregano, Italian oregano, Sweet marjoram, etc.

Genus: Origanum
Species:
O. majoricum: perennial-- hardy sweet marjoram, Italian Oregano.
O. majorana: annual-- sweet marjoram, knoted marjoram (because of green, knobby growths that are really tiny leaves folded against one another., Pink/lavender flowers
O vulgare: perennial-- Greek Oregano, white flowers

Some general lore about oregano:
It is said to encourage good luck and good health.
Early Greeks and Romans crowned married couples with it.
Oregano is a symbol of honor.
It is said to banish sadness-- and why not with its sweeet fragrance and velvety leaves.
From Gerard's Herbal (1545-1612-English):
"Organy cureth them that have been poisoned by drinking Opium, or the juice of Black Poppy or Hemlock, especially if it be given with Wine and Raisons of the Sunne".

Oregano supposedly contained Black Magic powers and special mystical secrets. Since it was a crime to write any of these secrets down, the secrets have been lost(!).

Strewn on the ground, it will repel snakes.
Said to ease toothache.
Dried leaves mixed with honey, oregano will fade bruises.
Keeps milk sweet, hence name Sweet Marjoram.


Modern Medicinal Uses
Has mild anti oxidant and antifungal properties. Used somewhat in modern medicinal practices. An infusion is used for coughs, headaches, and indigestion. For a toothache remedy, dab oregano oil on sore tooth. Externally, warm poultices of oregano leaves are said to soothe painful swellings.

Culinary
-Sweet Marjoram is the mildest of all species. It is somewhat interchangable with oregano. Just remember oregano is stronger, and to use less if the recipe calls for marjoram.
-Any of the varieties can be used with meats, eggs, egg and cheese dishes like quiches, omelets, and frittatas. Also, use with soups, herb bread and tomato dishes.
-Used in the cuisine of Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Caribbean and Mexico.
-Traditional herb in "poultry seasoning", used in turkey stuffing.
-Flavor combines well with garlic, thyme, parsley, and olive oil.
-Use fresh or dried.

Gardening
The oregano species is easy to grow. It needs well-drained soil, plenty of sun. Not to be fertilized too much or the oils don't develop, and that's where the flavor comes from. It grows well in the ground or in containers. It mixes well with the other Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary in tubs, planters and herb gardens.
Be sure not to overwater. Especially in containers, the soil needs to dry out between waterings. And, in the ground, the good drainage will keep the roots from rotting during a rainy season.
It is fine to prune the plant to shape it. In warm climates it is a must, or your oregano will take over the herb garden.
Grow it in your vegetable garden, let it flower and it will attract plenty of bees and butterflies to help pollinate your vegetables.

Harvest
Clip leaves as soon as plant is about 6” high. The optimal time to harvest herbs is late morning, while it’s still cool and dew has dried. However, harvesting just before use in evening or late afternoon is better than not having fresh herbs at all.

So, whether you grow Sweet Marjoram or Greek Oregano from seed, or some of the modern cultivars from purchased plants or cuttings, the oregano species is a must for the herb garden and the kitchen.