Pomegranate Symbolism in Mythology and Supernatural Practices

Characteristics of Pomegranate Tree

The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum) is an evergreen or partially deciduous plant belonging to the Lythraceae family. Although its homeland is generally stated as Iran and India, it has quickly adapted to the geographies in the Mediterranean climate zone. Growing to an average height of 5-8 meters, the pomegranate tree is known for its thorny structures on its branches and bright green leaves. Its flowers are red-orange and are a visual attraction even in the pre-fruit period.

The pomegranate tree is extremely resistant to arid conditions. It can grow in calcareous soils. This adaptation has made it associated with its resistance and regeneration power. In evolutionary terms, the fruit of the pomegranate tree has attracted the attention of animals and humans with its fleshy seed structure, contributing to the spread of its seeds to large areas.

The pomegranate tree is also remarkable in terms of its pollination strategies. Pollination occurs depending on both wind and animal pollinators. Its bright flowers are an attractive food source for bees and butterflies. While its root system prevents soil erosion, its fruits provide a food source for wild animals. This makes the pomegranate a particularly important part of the ecological network.

pomegranate symbolism
Pomegranate flower

Pomegranate in Mythology

The symbols used in cultural narratives are mostly shaped by geographical and environmental factors. Therefore, pomegranate symbolism is often prominent in Greek, Turkic and Near Eastern mythologies.

Pomegranate Symbolism in Greek Mythology

The most famous role of the pomegranate in Greek mythology is encountered in the Persephone myth. This story, which begins with Hades, the god of the underworld, kidnapping Persephone, has led to the pomegranate fruit becoming a powerful symbol. According to the legend, Persephone, who ate the pomegranate seeds offered by Hades, became connected to the underworld. This event is considered a cosmological narrative explaining the cycle of the seasons. The pomegranate seeds eaten by Persephone represent the balance between the liveliness of spring and summer and the dark, death-filled atmosphere of winter. The pomegranate symbolism stands out here as a powerful metaphor for the connection between both life and death.

The pomegranate has also been associated with love and marriage in Greek mythology. Hera, the goddess of fertility, is often depicted as a figure carrying a pomegranate in her hand, as the goddess of fertility, the beautifier of marriages. In this context, the numerous seeds of the pomegranate symbolize the fruits of marriages and the continuity of lineage. Hera’s connection with the pomegranate has glorified concepts such as fidelity and fertility in marriages.

The pomegranate tree also symbolizes nature’s capacity for renewal and rebirth. Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, used the pomegranate fruit as a symbol of fertility and abundance. In Dionysus’ cults, the pomegranate played an important role in rituals celebrating the cyclicity of nature. It is thought that the god used the pomegranate, like wine, to emphasize both the sweetness of life and its fleeting enjoyment.

Pomegranate Symbolism in Turkic Mythology

In Turkic mythology, the pomegranate tree is depicted as a tree representing the connection between the earth and the sky. The pomegranate tree, which is associated with the concept of the world tree in some communities, symbolizes the origin and continuity of life. The roots of the pomegranate tree extend underground and its branches to the sky, expresses the transition between different dimensions of life in Turkic mythology. In this context, pomegranate symbolism is not only fertility and reproduction, but also a representative of spiritual journey and cosmic order.

Pomegranate has been seen as a source of life in Turkic culture. The abundance of its seeds has been perceived as a symbol of the continuity of lineage and generation. In ancient Turkic communities, pomegranate fruit has been identified with wishes for having children and has had an important place especially in marriage rituals. Newly married couples touching the pomegranate tree and making a wish or throwing a pomegranate on the ground, breaking it and counting its seeds have been used as a metaphor for the expansion of lineage and strengthening of family ties. In addition, eating pomegranates during Nardugan and New Year celebrations to ensure a fruitful New Year is still a common tradition.

In the Turkish mythology narratives in Anatolia, the pomegranate tree is associated with Umay as a goddess who protects children and fertility. The multitude of seeds in the pomegranate fruit is used to reflect Umay’s maternal and protective qualities.

Pomegranate Symbolism in Abrahamic Religions

The pomegranate is a powerful symbol used in both the Old and New Testaments. Pomegranate symbolism, which includes many themes such as faith, fertility, resurrection, spiritual abundance and unity of the church, is an important part of Christian theology and art.

In the Old Testament, the pomegranate is mentioned as a fruit considered sacred to the people of Israel. The pomegranate was mentioned as one of the seven fruits brought by the spies sent by Moses to the promised land to show the abundance of this region. In this context, the pomegranate symbolism represents both the fertility promised by God and spiritual wealth. The abundant seeds of the pomegranate symbolize God’s eternal grace for his people and his blessings that will last for generations.

The pomegranate also took its place in the architecture of Solomon’s Temple. The column capitals of the temple were decorated with pomegranate motifs, which associated the pomegranate with holiness and divine order.

In the New Testament, the pomegranate was especially associated with the passion and resurrection of Christ. The thick and hard shell of the pomegranate is identified with the physical body of Jesus, while the red seeds inside are identified with the shed blood of Christ. In Christian art, pomegranate symbolism is often used to represent the life and resurrection of Jesus. In this context, the multitude of pomegranate seeds indicate that Jesus’ blood is powerful and comprehensive enough to save all humanity.

The pomegranate’s connection with the resurrection was particularly emphasized in Christian iconography during the Renaissance. For example, in Sandro Botticelli’s famous work “Madonna della Melagrana”, the Virgin Mary and Jesus are depicted together with a pomegranate. Here, the pomegranate represents Jesus’ suffering and death on the one hand, while on the other hand, it expresses the resurrection and the eternity of God’s love for humanity. In this depiction, the pomegranate symbolism combines both pain and hope.

pomegranate symbolism
Madonna della Melagrana” (1487)

The pomegranate is also a powerful metaphor for the unity of the church in Christianity. The presence of its seeds in the same shell symbolizes that the Christian community is made up of diverse individuals united under the grace of God. Saint Augustine and other early Christian writers used the pomegranate as a symbol representing the unification of diverse individuals within a single framework of faith.

In medieval Christianity, the pomegranate was also associated with the purity and fertility of the Virgin Mary. The many seeds of the pomegranate represent Mary’s maternal qualities, her contribution to the church, and her openness to God’s grace. This symbolism has led to the pomegranate’s frequent appearance in art and literature, especially in depictions of the Virgin Mary.

The pomegranate has also been perceived as a symbol of eternal life and paradise. Its colors and the abundance of its seeds have been associated with the Christian paradise of “new life,” and the pomegranate has been seen as a sign of eternal spiritual abundance. In some monasteries and churchyards, the planting of pomegranate trees symbolized the desire to attain God’s grace in this world and to attain eternal life in heaven.

Similarly, pomegranate generally symbolizes abundance, prosperity and goodness in Islam. Its presence among the fruits found in the gardens of heaven reinforces its holiness.

In some hadiths, the benefits of pomegranate are mentioned and it is emphasized that this fruit is also very valuable in terms of health. Its delicate seeds symbolize purity and abundance, both physically and spiritually. In Islamic culture, pomegranate is also considered a symbol of wealth and inner peace.

pomegranate symbolism
Pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate in Folk Medicine and Traditional Use

The pomegranate tree and its fruit are known for their healing properties in folk medicine. The peel and roots of the pomegranate have been used as an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) in traditional medicine. Pomegranate juice is considered a tonic that strengthens the immune system thanks to its antioxidant properties.

In ancient Ayurvedic texts, it is stated that pomegranate fruit is good for stomach upsets and digestive problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, pomegranate is considered a plant that balances yin and yang energy.

The oil obtained from pomegranate seeds is used in modern aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, boiling pomegranate leaves and drinking them provides a fever-reducing and calming effect.

The tannin content of pomegranate peel has caused it to be frequently used among the public due to its wound-healing and antiseptic properties. In rural areas of Anatolia, pomegranate peel tea is seen as a solution against throat infections.

Pomegranate in Supernatural Practices and Witchcraft

Pomegranate symbolism has also gained a strong place in supernatural practices and witchcraft. Pomegranate seeds have often been used in rituals for wealth, love and protection spells. Placing pomegranate seeds in a circle is a practice thought to intensify energy.

In some magic practices, pomegranate peels are burned to make incense. This incense is believed to ward off evil spirits and purify the space. The branches and leaves of the pomegranate tree are also used in various rituals. For example, in some cultures, bathing a newborn baby with pomegranate leaves is intended to protect the baby from bad energies.

Pomegranate has also been an important symbol in rituals for communicating with the dead. According to ancient beliefs, pomegranate seeds were believed to serve as a bridge to the underworld. For this reason, pomegranate seeds were left as offerings in some burial rituals.