The Pomegranates
by Harold Meij
The word pomegranate comes from the French words pomegranate, or apple with many seeds. It is believed to have been first
cultivated by the Phoenicians, and was widely available in the
Mediterranean region. Pomegranates are explained in the second degree
lecture.
Seeds serve as a symbol of fertility in many cultures. For example in
ancient Greece, the pomegranate was attributed to Hera and Aphrodite
(Venus). In ancient Rome newly wed women wore headdresses made from
pomegranate twigs, and its juice was consumed as a remedy for infertility.
Since the rind of the fruit is tough, but the juice sweet, the pomegranate
came to symbolize the priest; severe on the outside, indulgent on the
inside. Moses was ordered to put embroided pomegranates, with golden bells
between them, at the bottom of the high-priest’s robe (Exodus 39:26). St. John of
the Cross made the pomegranate seeds the symbol of divine perfection.
Priests of Demeter and Eleusis were crowned with pomegranate branches.
Pomegranates were also planted on the graves of heroes, perhaps in the
hope of many successors. The pomegranate is used in the coat of arms of
Colombia and Granada. back to top |
