My fascination with Pomegranates

Which as it turns out is a fairly enchanting fruit:

1. Symbol for righteousness in Jewish tradition because it is said to have 613 seeds which corresponds with the 613 commandments of the Torah (Hebrew teachings).

2. In Greek mythology, Hades tricks Persephone into living in the Underworld for six months of each year by getting her to eat six pomegranate seeds while she was his prisoner - these six months become autumn and winter where the land is no longer fertile, as Persephone's mother Demeter the Goddess of Harvest grieves her absence.

3. In Buddhist legend (pretty awful story, this one) the demoness Hariti, who devoured children, was cured of her evil habit by the Buddha, who gave her a pomegranate to eat.

4. The Prophet Mohammad advised, “Eat the pomegranate, for it purges the system of envy and hatred.”

5. In early Christian doctrine, some believe that Eve was tempted with a pomegranate in the Garden of Eden rather than an apple as the actual fruit is not identified in the Old Testament Book of Genesis.

That, plus being very a pretty fruit, as well as having properties which cure weary hearts (pomegranate juice makes grenadine syrup which can be used in a whopping 583 types of cocktails!) and ill tummies (medicinally, seriously) grants it a spot in my book of not-quite-sure-why-this-is-important fixations.