Symbolism of the Pomegranate Tree

The pomegranate has been a powerful symbol of fertility because of it's many seeds.

The pomegranate fruit has been a powerful symbol for most of the world's largest religions and mythologies. The red juices of the fruit are striking and reminiscent of blood which adds to the unique nature of the fruit. The pomegranate is a robust round fruit bursting with seeds and because of this it has been an ancient symbol of fertility, marriage and prosperity for many of the world's cultures.

Judaism

It is said in Judaism that the pomegranate fruit has 613 seeds, one for each of the Torah's commandments. Jewish priests wear robes depicting the pomegranate and it is also found on the walls of Solomon's temples as described in the Torah. Some scholars believe that the pomegranate may have been the actual fruit of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden for it was found on a list of clues that the Hebrews used to search for the Promised Land.

Christianity

Botticelli and Da Vinci often painted Mary or Jesus with a pomegranate fruit in hand. The famous "unicorn tapestries" depicts the pomegranate tree more than once. Many seeds within one rind is said to symbolize the multitude of churches and their unity. When the Virgin Mary is depicted with the pomegranate it is told to be symbol of her many benefits to mankind contained within her. Also, the blood red fruit of the pomegranate is often associated with the blood of Christ.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism was a major religion in ancient Persia. In Persia and around the world the pomegranate was and is today a symbol of fertility. According to Persian mythology Isfandiyar consumes the pomegranate in order to become invincible. Pomegranate trees were planted in the temple courtyards as a symbol of everlasting life because their leaves stayed green most of the year.

Ancient Greece

One famous story in Ancient Greece is the story of Persephone and her abduction from her parents Zeus and Demeter. Hades, the god of the underworld tempts Persephone with a pomegranate and by eating it she becomes joined with him. This gave birth to the pomegranate being used in wedding ceremonies. Demeter prevented the earth from bearing fruit because of the loss of her daughter until Zeus worked out a deal. One third of the year Persephone would live with Hades and the rest of the year with Demeter. The return of Persephone to Demeter is marked by the first day of spring.

Buddhism

A symbol of the essence of favorable influences in Buddhism the pomegranate is one of the three blessed fruits along with citrus and peach. In one story the Buddha is presented with lavish and expensive gifts from his disciples. One poor woman who traveled very far presents the Buddha with a pomegranate and he rings the bell of honor for her gift was the best of all. Another story tells of how Buddha cured the demon Hariti of her awful child-devouring habit by feeding her a pomegranate.

References

• Food Reference: History of Pomegranates
• Belief Net: A pomegranate for all religions
• PubMed Central: why use a pomegranate
• Washington State University: Unicorn Tapestries

Resources

• Food Reference: History of Pomegranates