The pomegranate is a legendary fruit in many cultures and religions around the world and throughout history. Here are some seeds we have uncovered...
The Pomegranate in Hebrew and Christian Mythology
To the early Hebrews, the pomegranate's seeds were an affirmation of their faith. Each pomegranate was believed to contain exactly 613 seeds, a number that corresponds with the number of commandments in the Torah. This belief was once so strong that the Old Testament directs for the pomegranate's image to be woven into priestly robes.
According to many Biblical scholars, the pomegranate was also the original fruit from the Garden of Eden, making it the representation of all that is forbidden. One taste of its ripe seeds and all knowledge of death, sex, and sin are suddenly clear. However, this didn't stop early Christians from venerating the fruit. Christian iconic paintings often depict the Virgin Mary with a pomegranate either in her hand or nearby. In this way, it was used to demonstrate the Virgin Mary's power over life and death, as well as the seed that bore the son of God.
The Pomegranate in Ancient Greek Mythology
Ancient Greek mythology is also filled with images and legends of the pomegranate. Perhaps its most famous myth is that of Persephone. This beautiful maiden was desired by Hades, who decided that she would be his wife and companion in the dark world of the dead. To this end, he kidnapped her and brought her to live with him for eternity in the underworld. Persephone's mother, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, was so distraught that she caused every plant on Earth to die. To avoid a catastrophic loss of all life, Zeus commanded Hades to allow Persephone to return to her home. However, before she was able return, Hades tricked her into eating four seeds from the pomegranate, an action that condemned her to life in the underworld for four months out of every year.
Another somewhat dark perspective of the pomegranate's powers is evident in the Greek myth of Orion's wife. She was very beautiful, even rivaling the beauty of Zeus's wife Hera. For her daring to compete with Hera, her children were killed and she was persuaded to believe herself the culprit. In agony, she threw herself from a cliff. The location of her blood was where the first pomegranate tree grew.
The power of the pomegranate does not stop with ancient lore. In the modern-day traditions of many Greeks, it is customary to adorn the holiday table with pomegranates. They are set out in honor of the fertile land and its bounty. Pomegranates may also make an appearance during weddings, funerals, and New Year celebrations.