For Armenians, the pomegranate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country. In Armenian mythology, it symbolizes fertility and good fortune. It was a guardian against the evil eye.
At weddings in Western Armenia, a bride would throw a pomegranate and break it into pieces. Its scattered seeds ensured that the bride would bear children. In Van, Armenian women who wanted to have a son would eat bread made from dough mixed with pomegranate seeds.
Its importance is attested in historical Armenian manuscripts and stone carvings where it was used as a popular ornament. One of the most iconic Armenian art movies is that of Sergey Paradjanov named “The Color of Pomegranates”.
In the film, the red pomegranate on a table with its wrinkled skin and fresh pulp stands out as an embodiment of the invincible soul of Armenia. Until the very day pomegranate is a commonly used theme in Armenian art and culture including cuisine.
It has turned into a national cliché، Finally, I would like to recite a traditional ending for Armenian fairy tales:
“Three pomegranates fell from heaven: One for the storyteller, one for the listener, and one for the whole world.”
