The legend tells of a beautiful girl who lived in Sicily during the Arab domination, around the year one thousand. Her skin was as pink as peach blossoms in full bloom, and her eyes seemed to reflect the blue of the sea. Segregated at home, she spent her days taking care of the flowers on her balcony. One day a young Moor was passing under her balcony and, struck by such beauty, decided to make her his own. Without delay he entered the girl's house and declared his love to her; the girl, struck by such ardor, granted herself to him
After some time the girl discovered that her beautiful lover would soon leave her to go back to his country, where his wife and children were waiting for him. The girl waited for the dark of night and while he slept she beheaded him and made a vase of his head, in which she
planted some basil that she put on display on the balcony, so the Moor remained with her forever. In the meantime, the basil grew luxuriant and aroused he envy of the inhabitants of the neighborhood who, not to be outdone, made to make terracotta pots with human features.
After some time the girl discovered that her beautiful lover would soon leave her to go back to his country, where his wife and children were waiting for him. The girl waited for the dark of night and while he slept she beheaded him and made a vase of his head, in which she
planted some basil that she put on display on the balcony, so the Moor remained with her forever. In the meantime, the basil grew luxuriant and aroused he envy of the inhabitants of the neighborhood who, not to be outdone, made to make terracotta pots with human features.