Dear friends,
I am excited to share another installment with you today. As I previously mentioned, time has not been on my side, and I wasn’t able to cover the comprehensive history of Halloween as I had planned. However, I would like to introduce you to a captivating story borrowed from Ovid that elegantly intertwines with Halloween traditions, particularly focusing on the apple. The origins of this important Halloween symbol date back to the era of the Romans, so let’s delve right into it.
Pomona and Vertumnus
The painting “Pomona and Vertumnus” by Francesco Melzi (1517-20) illustrates a tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Here, Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit, encounters Vertumnus, the god of change. In his determined effort to win her affection, Vertumnus disguises himself as an elderly woman, having previously faced rejection from the shy goddess. Through an allegorical tale highlighting the interdependence of the grapevine and elm, he seeks to teach Pomona about the value of unity and companionship, suggesting that neither can thrive alone. Captivated by his argument, she opens her heart to love, leading them to become a couple.
Vertumnus is an embodiment of transformation, displaying an old man’s visage while simultaneously possessing youthful hands and feet. This blend of characteristics makes his change evident to viewers. His attire flutters, suggesting recent arrival, while vines entwine around him and Pomona’s shoulder as he gently touches her. Although Pomona gazes downward in longing, Vertumnus looks upon her with fervor.
In around 43 AD, the Romans began to dominate the Celtic territories in what we now know as Great Britain, bringing with them their customs and practices. Among them was the festival of Pomona, which is believed to have merged with the Celtic Samhain festival. This celebration, dedicated to the goddess of fruits, took place around November 1st, incorporating apples and nuts into its festivities. As a result, many Halloween traditions linked to apples are thought to originate from this imagined Pomona festival.
While concrete evidence of this festival’s existence is lacking in the ancient Roman calendar records, the idea remains romantic and enticing. As we partake in seasonal apple drinks or games like bobbing for apples, it’s tempting to think of Rome’s legacy in these pastimes.
Though we may lack historical documentation of a Pomona festival, this doesn’t diminish the charm of the concept. During my research, I came across intriguing references to Pomona. One noteworthy mention is a segment of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, which I have reshaped for easier reading.
The Tale of Pomona
In her reign, Pomona was unmatched among the hamadryads, diligent in caring for gardens more than any nymph of Latium. She cherished ripe apple-bearing branches over the rushing rivers and dark woods. Armed with a pruning knife instead of a javelin, she nurtured her orchards, carefully managing the growth of trees, even grafting branches and ensuring that thirsting roots received adequate water. Though dedicated to her craft, she actively distanced herself from the attentions of males, building walls around her beloved orchard to keep them at bay.
Many suitors ventured forth to win her, including the Satyrs and Silvanus, but it was Vertumnus whose love shone brightest, even if he too faced obstacles. Truly creative, he transformed through various guises: as a humble reaper with baskets of barley, adorned with grass, or transformed into a gardener with ladders and pruning tools, gaining entry to admire Pomona’s beauty.
In one remarkable instance, Vertumnus donned a colorful scarf, mimicking an elderly woman. Gaining Pomona’s attention, he complimented her beauty and shared thoughtful observations about the fruits hanging from trees, emphasizing the need for companionship by drawing similarities between trees and their intertwined vines. Despite being surrounded by numerous suitors, he passionately implored Pomona to reflect on love and companionship, urging her to consider a union with him while he would remain dedicated solely to her.
Pomona’s heart, however, remained guarded against romantic advances. Vertumnus painted vivid pictures of rival suitors who sought her, passively encouraging her to reject fickle men in favor of a sincere and committed partner. He professed that his love for her was unlike any other, deserving of her consideration.
He proceeded to weave a poignant story about Iphis and Anaxarete, illustrating the dire consequences of unrequited love. As a humble youth devastated by Anaxarete’s rejection, Iphis ultimately took his tragic fate into his own hands, seeking closure with a tragic act.
Feeling pity for him, Anaxarete was by then overcome with a remorseful realization witnessed from her window during his funeral procession. Ovid’s tale serves as a reminder of the vulnerability that lies within closed hearts and the sentiments of rejection.
As Vertumnus revealed his true self to Pomona, she found herself captivated by his radiant form, leading to a mutual recognition of desire between them.
