The Pomegranate
"A single fruit grew on that tree, a bright pomegranate fruit. Persephone stood up in the chariot and plucked the fruit from the tree. Then did Aidoneus prevail upon her to divide the fruit, and, having divided it, Persephone ate seven of the pomegranate seeds."
-The Golden Fleece
by Padraic Colum
(1881-1972)
Pomegranates are an ancient symbol of birth and death. Their bloodiness was associated with fertility, health and life. In Christian paintings, Mary is frequently seen holding a pomegranate. The god Rimmon's (2 Kings 5:18) name means Pomegranate and was associated later with Jesus, representing him as a sacrifical divinity who passes through death into life.
Pomegranates are also seen as a forbidden desire in Jewish lore, based upon the Tree of Knowledge.
Many tantalizing legends and stories are built around the pomegranate, making it a fascinating fruit to paint, read about and eat.
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