The Greek History & Tradition of the Pomegranate:
The
traditional folk decoration of Greek homes, the pomegranate is
cherished as a symbol of joyous times and good fortune, as well as of
fertility and prosperity. This veneration of the fruit is rooted in
ancient times, and this once ancient practice continues today, finding
new meaning in every household. The pomegranate was a magical fruit in
Greek mythology, and was associated with three Gods: Demeter, Aphrodite,
and Hera. In ancient Athens, at the time of the ceremonies (the
“Thesmoforia”) honoring Demeter, the Goddess of Fertility, Athenians ate
pomegranates in order to gain fertility and prosperity. Aphrodite, the
Goddess of Beauty, was according to myth the first to plant the
pomegranate tree, on Cyprus. Hera, the Mother of the Gods, is linked
most strongly to the fruit in Greek mythology, as she was the Goddess of
the home, and the protector of marriage and childbirth. In her temple
in Argos there was a golden statue of the Goddess, and in her right hand
she held a pomegranate, signifying her connection with this source of
fecundity and abundance. Not only the ancient Greeks, but rather all of
the peoples of the East venerated the pomegranate. In their religious
ceremonies the Ancient Egyptians offered pomegranates to their Gods.
According to the Bible, King Solomon maintained a garden full of
pomegranate trees, and, finally, the Prophet Mohammed wrote in the
Koran, “The pomegranate purifies the body of jealousy and hate.” Through
the artistry and craftsmanship of Epalladio, the pomegranate, this
ancient symbol of joy, can again bring such health and good fortune to
today’s homes.