An omen a day keeps the bad spirits away!

Today’s featured omen is the pomegranate! The pomegranate has been considered a good omen in many cultures and religions for centuries. We at Honest Omens see pomegranates as a sign of rebirth, growth, and many blessings. Seems like we’re not the only ones! Read more about this bountiful fruit’s rich symbolic history below:

Greece: 

In Ancient Greek mythology the pomegranate is associated with Persephone, the goddess of harvest and fertility. The story goes that she was tricked by Hades to eat the seeds of a pomegranate while in the underworld. Since she had tasted the food of the underworld, Persephone was forced to spend winter months in Hades’ realm.  When she emerged from the underworld in spring, Earth would prosper and harvests would be bountiful. When she returned to the underworld during the winter months, the Earth would again become barren and without vegetation. Today the fruit is associated with rebirth, cultivation, fertility, abundance, and good luck– as Persephone’s return is tied to resurrection and spring.

Egypt:

In ancient Egypt pomegranate seeds were believed to heal intestinal infections and remove tapeworms (um…ew!). Pomegranates were buried with the dead to aid in their journey to the afterlife. They were regarded as a symbol of prosperity and ambition.

China:

In China pomegranates, particularly their many seeds, signifiy fertility and an abundance of children. Often families hung pictures of pomegranates in their homes to bless the household with many children and promote fertility.

Persia and Armenia:

Pomegranates are regarded as a semi-sacred symbol. Here, too, they represent fertility, prosperity, abundance, and procreation in marriage.

Judaism:

The story goes that pomegranates were brought to Moses as a demonstration of fertility of the promised land. Pomegranates are consumed during Rosh Hashanah as a symbolic expression, as the plentiful seeds of a pomegranate represent fertility, fruitfulness, righteousness, and good deeds. 

Christianity: 

The pomegranate is mentioned six times in the Song of Songs. It is revered as one of the seven most plentiful crops in ancient Israel. Its abundance symbolized fertility and sensuality. Many paintings of the Virgin Mary include an open pomegranate. Many associate the broken, bursting fruit with Christ’s suffering, resurrection, and emergence from the tomb.

Islam:

In the Quran, pomegranates are mentioned three times. They grow in the gardens of Paradise, and represent the goodness created by God.

Buddhism:

Pomegranates are named as one of three blessed fruits, the other two being peaches and lemons.

It seems like the pomegranate has a symbolic history in every corner of the world. I think we could all agree they must be a good omen. What about you? Have you ever associated pomegranates with new beginnings? Or maybe something entirely different? Let us know in the comments!