The Pomegranate originated from Persia and is one of the oldest known fruits. A symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
In “The Abduction of Persephone”, daughter of Zeus and of Demeter – Goddess of the crops and harvest.
Persephone was known for her beauty and one day Hades abducted her while she was picking wild flowers and whisked her away to the underworld.
It is said that no one should eat while in Hades, as if one does they are doomed to stay there forever. Hades made Persephone eat four Pomegranate seeds and made her his wife.
Zeus finally demanded that Hades return his daughter to the earth. Upon her return Persephone told her mother, Demeter, of the four Pomegranate seeds. Because of these seeds, Persephone returns to Hades a third of the year as his wife and the remainder of the year with her mother.
In Demeter’s sadness of Persephone’s yearly absence, she refuses to allow crops to grow until her daughter’s return.
It is now time that Persephone is returning to the underworld and Hades, and Demeter begins to mourn.
Categories: 2013 Project 365
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Love pomegranates š
Me too Dorothy ! I love their bright color also. Thanks for the visit and hope to see you back soon. Bella
I love Pomegranate, so sweet and rich in nutrients, Love how you included the history and myth š
Thanks Andy. I had never heard that story before and love it !
We love Pomegranates….not so fun to prepare though!! Great post
Got to admit that I struggled with the white pith while trying to just eat them. It was the best one I’ve ever had. Thank you!
Ahhhh such deep history with the pomegranate seeds, I had no idea that’s what Persephone ate! It does look like a very interesting fruit though, it deserves the glory! I find the little seeds hard to chew but love the fleshy bits around it..
Now that is wild – you like the white part ? I find it so bitter. Indeed the red seeds are hard to eat but boy are they good. š
Love those luscious beauties! And the legend š
Hi Madhu ! Great to see you and hope all is going well with you. So happy you like this post and such a wonderful fruit. š
Love those luscious beauties! And the legend š
They look yummy, but I’m afraid that the seeds would be a problem for me. Maybe I could use them as bird bait?
Funny – I put 1/2 of one out for the birds and overnight it disappeared. Wonder who took it.
I love pomegranates…I used to sit with my mother when I was young and we would use a needle to pick at them….
Now that’s a strange way to get the seeds out. I may have to try that technique.
They take a long time to eat – but it is a nice pastime š
I’m a mythology freak! I love this story of the seasons. Great photos of a fun fruit to eat. Don’t wear white while eating! š
Oh you are too smart ! I’m not allowed to wear white anytime. Within 10 minutes I get it dirty. LOL ! Had you heard this story before ? It was new to me.
Gorgeous macro shots…since you love pomegranates…I wanted to share with you my new love…Brookside Co. makes Dark Chocolate Pomegranates…they are SO divine. You can get them at Target or Costco.
Oh my goodness – that chocolate sounds amazing ! I’m definitely going to have to find some for the holidays. Thanks for sharing your little secret. š
These shots are magazine ready – wonderful rich color.
You are so sweet Mary ! Miss you and you’ve been so busy painting. I’m amazed how you can produce such beautiful artwork so easily. Love your Maine scenes.
I know Emily, painting and planning have taken time away from visiting. The Maine paintings look nice framed – great reminder of a place that’s so special to us. The quality and subjects of your photography, especially this series, are really taking stage before our eyes. Wonderful work.
Interesting story, and very creative pix!
Thanks Denise ! Got to admit I stole the idea from a fellow photographer. It was fun with such bright colors.
Gorgeous rich colours here. Interesting folklore to go with the pics. š
You are so sweet Sylvia ! Thank you so very much and appreciate your visit.
Great post! Adore this fruit when we can get it š Right now selling for 2 for $4.00
Oh how wonderful ! I hope you got some to enjoy. They have been exceptional this year.
A re-blog but one I had to SHARE š YUM
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My mouth is watering!! š
Wow, thank you so much for such a great comment!
Love pomegranates and your photos are delicious! š
Can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful response. Thank you.