The Magic of Seeds

Since the invention of agriculture -and maybe even before- the cycles of nature and the potential of seeds have fascinated the human race. Knowing those cycles is of utmost importance in growing the food we need. Over time, many myths, legends, and superstitions have developed around seeds and the process of growing plants. For example:  

Of many legends relating to seeds, one stands out above all. The many-seeded pomegranate symbolizes life, death and fertility in many cultures. In Greek mythology it sealed the fate of Persephone, captured by Hades and imprisoned in his Underworld. As she mourned her daughter, Demeter, goddess of fertility, halted all growth. To save the planet Zeus, Persephone’s father, ordered her release but Hades tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds, forcing her, by the power of the Fates, to remain in the Underworld for six months each year. So it came about that the earth has its seasons of growth in spring and summer and dormancy in autumn and winter.

In March, many of us develop spring fever, a strong urge to plant seeds and celebrate the return of the growing season. It's only natural. Feed that urge by perusing a collection of folklore about seeds at Folklore Thursday. -via Strange Company

(Image credit: Forest & Kim Starr)


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While we are talking cycles, pomegranates ripen very late. In Southern California, the tradition is to pick them between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Since they store well, they can be a treat well into winter, hence their use in the myth.
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