Punica granatum, Pomegranate
In 2014 Greece issued a series of stamps for the months of the year.January features a snowy scene and a Pomegranate.
There are many stories in Greek mythology about the pomegranate. Below I am quoting from one of my friends’ Blog about a New Year’s custom involving a pomegranate.
http://greekerthanthegreeks.blogspot.gr/2015/12/top-ten-greek-new-years-customs-and.htmlI have never seen a pomegranate smashed or smashed one myself at a door but at the moment Greece is awash with pomegranate shaped ornaments for the Holiday season
A POMEGRANATE, an ancient symbol of prosperity and good luck, is hung above the door throughout Christmas and at midnight, on New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned out, the pomegranate is then hurled to the floor, or at the door, where it smashes, spilling out its seeds, the more seeds the better!
This helps ensure luck, health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year.
A pomegranate tree is a must for most gardens around here and of course they are mentioned in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
I suggest you read
A MAGICAL GARDEN IN MITHIMNA, LESBOS BY Carol P. Christ in issue number 49, July 2007
The photo is from “ The Feast of the Pomegranate” which is held at Ermioni, Argolis, Peleponnese on the last weekend of October
Another photo of some of the pomegranate decorations currently around the house