A Towering Tradition

Why are besamim, the spices used for Havdalah, kept in spice boxes shaped like small medieval towers, sometimes with tiny flags on top?

Long ago, spices were very rare and expensive. They were brought to Europe from faraway lands after long, dangerous journeys. Because they were so valuable, people stored them in the safest places—strong, fortified towers that protected European cities. This idea carried over into Jewish custom. This is the origin of the tradition of besamim being kept in spice boxes shaped like medieval towers, sometimes decorated with turrets and flags.