I don't think the link between old testament and myrtus is strained. 1) Eshter's born name is Hadassah, which means myrtle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther

I don't think the link between old testament and myrtus is strained. 1) Eshter's born name is Hadassah, which means myrtle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther#Origin_and_meaning http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther#Origin_and_meaning) 2) When Eshter asked the king if Jews can kill their enemies, king granted the permission (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=esther%208:11-8:11&version=KJV http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=esther%208:11-8:...)