Pomegranate Blossom Meaning, Symbolism, Myths, Folklore, and Cultural Significance

There are few fruits or flowers in the world that have as much symbolism behind them as the Pomegranate. The Pomegranate Blossom, in particular, has been a famous symbol for centuries among the cultures where the tree grew. In addition to producing a beautiful flower, the Pomegranate is grown for its fruits and used as a food source or juice by millions of people. In this guide, I’ll run through everything you need to know about Pomegranate Blossom meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers. 

The Meaning and Symbolism of Pomegranate Blossom

Punica granatum, or the Pomegranate, is just a humble tree by appearance. It’s the meaning that’s been assigned to its blossoms and fruit that makes it such a potent symbol in art, literature, and more. Each culture has a slightly different meaning for the Pomegranate Blossom as well.

Pomegranate Blossom in the Victorian Language of Flowers

Even to the Victorians, the Pomegranate and its blossom had a variety of meanings. French books on the topic assigned the fruit and flowers a shared meaning of coming together in union. It’s unsurprising that many Europeans used the flowers as part of wedding bouquets. 

In England, sources from the Victorian period listed that the fruit symbolized foolishness. Yet the blossoms, in contrast, could symbolize mature elegance and wisdom instead. 

It’s ironic that the Victorians saw the fruit as young and foolish but the flowers as mature and wise since the flowers appear first and the fruit second.

Pomegranate Blossom Colors and Their Meaning & Symbolism

Pomegranate Blossoms are as colorful as the fruit that follows them. Pink, bright orange, and blood red are all common colors. 

Some varieties bred specifically for their flowers may feature a more coral or peach color instead. Consider how the different colors of the blossoms you choose will affect the overall meaning of your floral arrangement.

• Bright Red: Romantic love, passion, strength, vigor, and energy
• Pink: Playfulness, sweetness, platonic love, caring, youth, and beauty
• Orange: Intensity, focus, power, wealth, success, and good health

The Meaning of Pomegranate Blossom in Ancient Times

The Ancient Greeks widely used the Pomegranate for its symbolic meaning and actual food value. 

However, their myths primarily concerned the fruit and not the flowers. For example, the goddess Persephone was stolen by the god of the underworld and ate a handful of the Pomegranate seeds while she was there. That caused her to become trapped and caused the earth to wither and stop growing until she returned again. This gives Pomegranate Blossoms a strong association with fertility, the arrival of spring, and the restoration of the growing season.

The Pomegranate is native to ancient Persia or modern-day Iran. They traded the fruit widely with the Egyptians, and ancient culture considered it a symbol of prosperity and success. 

This meaning carried over to the Romans. The association with passion or sexuality is a more modern one that is rarely found in the ancient world.

The Meaning of Pomegranate Blossom in Religion and Spirituality

Aside from its symbolism in ancient Greek religious practices, the Pomegranate Blossom is also widely used in some modern religions. 

The image of the Pomegranate fruit is embroidered in yarn on the high priest’s robes in the Bible, symbolizing blessings, wisdom, and power. 

Yet that’s not the only mention of the plant in the Bible. The Temple of Solomon had the trees carved onto the two pillars that supported the entrance, while Saul was recorded as having held court under a Pomegranate tree. 

The Song of Songs not only praises the fruit but also the beauty of the flowers, linking it to divine inspiration and fertility. There is also an instance in the Bible where a Pomegranate crop fails explicitly because of God’s judgment, making it a reminder of your commitment to your faith. 

Aside from the Christian faith, the Pomegranate is also mentioned in the Quran as one of the gifts that Allah has bestowed upon the faithful.

Pomegranate Blossom Meaning in Japanese Flower Languages

The Pomegranate was introduced to Japan centuries ago by traders, but it doesn’t have the most positive connotations in the culture. One of the kami, or deities, associated with fertility and childbirth is pictured holding a Pomegranate in her hand and may be surrounded by the red blossoms. However, the being was originally known for eating children instead. It’s considered somewhat risky to invoke this kami’s blessings for a pregnancy.

Myths and Folklore Associated with Pomegranate Blossom

In Jewish folklore, the Pomegranate is a symbol of death. Even the red flowers are associated with spilled blood or the process of mourning the dead, known as Shiva. 

It’s also a symbol of menstruation and the demon Lilith, who was considered to put pregnancies at risk. There is a story where a Rabbi was tempted by what he thought was a demon in exchange for a Pomegranate. Even when he found out it was only his wife attempting to trick him, he felt so guilty that he repented by fasting to death.

Pomegranate Festivals and Official Flowers

The red Pomegranate blossom is the official flower of both Spain and Libya.

Pomegranate Blossom Meaning in Art and Literature

In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo wants to leave because he thinks the birds he hears are heralding the dawn. Juliet begs him to stay by telling him it’s only a nightingale singing in a Pomegranate tree. The tree was already associated with passion and romance by that time, which made it a potent symbol to use in the play.

---

About Pomegranate Blossom

Common Names

The fruits are called Wine Apples in Ireland, which is a somewhat literal translation of the original medieval name. ‘Pomum’ is Latin for apple, while ‘granatum’ is Latin for seeded. It’s a name that references both the apple-like color and shape of the fruit and the many seeds found inside it. The tree’s scientific name is Punica granatum.

Native Range

Pomegranates were only found only in ancient Persia and the surrounding area, which is now Iran. It spread out of the area as early as the 9th century and reached Europe by the 16th century.

Growing Zones

The Pomegranate needs a warm, relatively dry climate. It thrives in USDA zones 7 through 10. Some people cultivate the tree as a houseplant in colder climates, but it needs a lot of space if you want to attempt it.

Botanical Characteristics

These trees are relatively short, often appearing more like shrubs. Flowers appear from mid-spring through the fall, and fruits begin forming around the start of summer. 

They’re traditionally harvested in the fall and are associated with fall in many cultures. The leaves and flowers are used medicinally along with the fruit, bark, and roots. Trees are either male or female, and both are needed for flowers to turn to fruit.

Plant Family

The Pomegranate is part of the Lythraceae family that includes many other tropical herbs and shrubs. It’s perhaps the best-known member of the family, but its relatives include Water Caltrop, Crape Myrtle, and Loosestrife.

History of Pomegranates

Pomegranates were so widespread across the Mediterranean region that they were once believed to be native to the whole area. It took years of genetic testing and tracing to determine the original source. Pomegranates only arrived in Europe in the middle of the medieval period, but they were quickly adopted.

---

Pomegranate Blossom Meaning – Wrapping Up

Popping a cluster of red Pomegranate blossoms into your next bouquet could add a complex symbol of passion or help you indicate that you think someone is being foolish. Make sure the other flowers in the arrangement back up your desired message so your recipient isn’t confused by what you intend to symbolize with your gift.

---