Pomona, the revered Roman goddess linked to fruits and orchards, derives her name from the Latin word ‘pomum’, which signifies fruit or orchard produce. Unlike many deities in Roman mythology, Pomona was uniquely Roman, lacking a direct counterpart in Greek mythology, although some parallels are drawn to Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest. In artistic representations, she is typically portrayed as a lovely and innocent young woman adorned with a crown of fruit and holding a pruning knife. Her name has influenced several modern English and French terms, such as pomegranate and pomme (French for apple), as well as pomme de terre, which translates to ‘apple of the earth’ or potato. Let’s explore the intriguing history surrounding this goddess.
A Wood Nymph
Pomona is depicted surrounded by a fruit garland in a 17th-century artwork by Frans Snyders. In Roman mythology, she was characterized as a hamadryad, or wood nymph, wholly dedicated to caring for fruit trees. Ovid mentions in his Metamorphoses that no other wood nymph in Latium was as skilled or devoted to garden care as she was. Many myths recount how her stunning beauty attracted various suitors, including Silvanus and Picus, yet Pomona cherished her solitude, nurturing her trees in a serene countryside. Reflecting her preference for seclusion, Ovid noted that she isolated herself in her orchard to escape unwanted advances.
Pomona’s Union with Vertumnus
One persistent suitor was Vertumnus, the trickster god associated with seasons, change, plant growth, and gardens. According to Ovid, Vertumnus possessed the enchanting ability to transform his appearance at will and employed this talent to earn Pomona’s affection. Disguising himself as an elderly woman, he gained entrance to her orchard and recounted a cautionary tale about the perils of declining a suitor, telling the poignant story of Iphis and Anaxarette. Ultimately, Pomona was captivated, and she and Vertumnus married, forming a partnership that symbolized abundance and growth.
Goddess of Fruit Trees, Gardens, and Orchards
In her role as the goddess of fruit trees, gardens, and orchards, Pomona is often depicted with a pruning knife, reflecting her vital function as a nurturer. In various representations, she is seen wielding this knife, often accompanied by a platter of fruit or a cornucopia. Ovid emphasizes the impact of her gentle tool in cultivation, describing how she trimmed excess foliage, pruned branches, and created grafts to nurture new growth.
The Symbol of Abundance
Pomona’s strong ties to fruit trees evoke themes of abundance and prosperity. Artistic portrayals frequently present her amidst lush gardens brimming with life, embodying her nurturing capabilities that yield essential produce. The Romans honored her yearly on August 13, a feast day correlating with the ripening of the first harvest fruits.
Additionally, Romans celebrated a festival in her name on November 1, an early precursor linked to the more contemporary Halloween. During these festivities, offerings of nuts and apples were made to express gratitude to the deities for safeguarding the harvest. Many contemporary Halloween customs, such as apple bobbing and toffee apples, hark back to Pomona’s association with fruit.
Pomona’s Influence in Art and Culture
Throughout the ages, Pomona has served as a significant muse, inspiring many artists and writers particularly during the Renaissance and Victorian periods. Renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens highlighted her innocent allure, while Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris embraced her embodiment of nature’s vivacious fertility, aligning with their artistic pursuits.
Beyond traditional artworks, Pomona’s presence is felt in various modern representations, such as Karl Bitter’s Pulitzer Fountain in Manhattan, and she even features in C.S. Lewis’s celebrated The Chronicles of Narnia series as a wood goddess who blesses an orchard near Cair Paravel.
