Pomegranate represents symbol of abundance in ancient Greek tradition

Greek Reporter reveals in its article that the pomegranate has long held symbolic and cultural significance in Greece, with its rich history dating back to ancient times. 

Smashing a pomegranate on New Year's Day is an ancient Greek tradition that remains practiced today, as the red, nutritious fruit is regarded as a symbol of life and good luck.

The ancient Greeks believed that the pomegranate's ruby-like seeds represented abundance, likely due to their numerous quantity. They also saw the fruit as a symbol of fertility, eternity, and good fortune.

Pomegranates are not only packed with nutrients, including sugars, vitamins A, B, and C, but also essential minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and iron. Additionally, they contain more antioxidants than red wine or green tea.

This remarkable fruit is also used as a natural cosmetic ingredient. Renowned Greek cosmetic brands, which emphasize natural Greek ingredients, incorporate pomegranate into many of their products for its skin-care and anti-aging benefits.

In contemporary Greek Orthodox tradition, families gather outside on New Year's Eve, and at the stroke of midnight, a pomegranate is rolled and thrown against the front door of the house.

The greater the number of seeds that scatter on the ground, the luckier the upcoming year is believed to be.

Alternatively, this tradition can take place on New Year's Day when the family dresses in their finest clothes, attends the Divine Liturgy of Basil of Caesarea at church, and greets the new year. 

The head of the household brings a pomegranate to church to have it blessed, and upon returning home, he knocks on the door, ensuring he is the first to enter the house in the new year.

He then breaks the pomegranate either in front of the door or against it, making a wish that the vibrant, abundant ruby-like seeds will bring the home an abundance of health, happiness, and as many joys as there are seeds.

Pomegranate trees have been cultivated since ancient times and are mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where they were said to grow on the island of Scheria (or Phaeacia) in the gardens of King Alcinous. Additionally, Theophrastus and Hippocrates both referenced the fruit for its medicinal qualities.

One of the most famous myths surrounding the pomegranate is the abduction of Persephone by Hades. In the myth, Hades offers Persephone the fruit to solidify their eternal bond.

The pomegranate was also closely linked to the Eleusinian Mysteries, with priests wearing wreaths made from pomegranate tree branches during the ceremonies.

Numerous archaeological discoveries confirm that the pomegranate was recognized in the Mediterranean region in ancient times, as evidenced by its depiction in ancient art.

On the Greek island of Milos, pomegranates were depicted on urns found in Phylakopi. Excavations at Akrotiri on Santorini also revealed urns adorned with pomegranate motifs.

In Crete, Minoan artifacts from the 17th century BC feature paintings of the fruit, while a stunning necklace with golden pomegranate designs was unearthed in ancient Mycenae.

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses a remarkable brass pomegranate that was discovered at the Acropolis.

By Naila Huseynova