The name is said to be a corruption of Athanasia, derived from two Greek words meaning immortality.
"Wild Flowers Worth Knowing"
Neltje Blanchan et al
When some monks in reading Lucian came across the passage where Jove, speaking of Ganymede to Mercury, says, "Take him hence, and when he has tasted immortality let him return to us," their literal minds inferred that this plant must have been what Ganymede tasted, hence they named it Athanasia!
"Wild Flowers Worth Knowing"
Neltje Blanchan et al
In Lyte's time the Tansy was sold in the shops under the name of Athanasia.
"Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure"
William Thomas Fernie
