Pomona, revered in ancient Roman tradition, embodies the deity of fruit trees and orchards, deriving her name from the Latin term ‘pomum’, which translates to fruit or orchard fruit. Unlike many Roman deities who have Greek counterparts, Pomona stands uniquely Roman, occasionally likened to Demeter, the Greek goddess associated with harvests. Artistic renditions often showcase her as a lovely, pure maiden adorned with a crown of fruit and wielding a pruning knife. The legacy of her name continues through modern English and French lexicons, giving rise to terms such as pomegranate, pomme (French for apple), and pomme de terre (French for potato, literally ‘apple of the earth’). This exploration aims to highlight the intriguing history and significance of this goddess.
A Wood Nymph Devoted to Her Trees
In the realm of Roman mythology, Pomona is classified as a hamadryad, a type of wood nymph dedicated to the care of fruit trees. Ovid expresses her unparalleled dedication in his work, “No other hamadryad among the wood nymphs of Latium tended to her garden with such skill and unwavering commitment, hence her name.” Her enchanting beauty drew many suitors, including Silvanus and Picus; however, Pomona chose solitude, preferring to cultivate her cherished trees in peace. Ovid captures her solitary nature, recounting how she “fearing ungentle advances, shut herself in her orchard (pomeria), repelling those who sought her company and avoiding men altogether.”
The Love Story of Pomona and Vertumnus
One persistent suitor was Vertumnus, the god responsible for seasons, transformation, vegetation, and gardens. Ovid narrates that Vertumnus possessed the power to change his form and used this ability to gain Pomona’s affection. Disguising himself as an elderly woman, he persuaded her to allow him into her orchard and shared a cautionary tale about the perils of rejecting suitors by recounting the tragic fate of Iphis and Anaxarette. Ultimately, Pomona succumbed to Vertumnus’s charm, and they united in marriage, becoming divine partners symbolizing abundance and growth.
Goddess of Gardens and Fertility
As the deity presiding over fruit trees and orchards, Pomona is often depicted with her essential tool, the pruning knife. In art, she is frequently seen holding this knife along with a platter of ripe fruit or a cornucopia. Ovid highlights the significance of this unassuming instrument, stating, “She held a curved pruning knife, not a spear, which allowed her to trim the exuberant branches, cleave the barks, and insert grafts from a different source to nourish the young trees.”
Symbol of Prosperity and Festivity
Pomona is intimately linked to themes of abundance. Artistic portrayals usually depict her amidst vibrant, flourishing gardens, epitomizing her function as a nurturer and provider of life-sustaining fruits. A feast day in her honor was celebrated on August 13 by the Romans, coinciding with the ripening of the first fruits available for consumption.
Furthermore, the festival of Pomona, observed on November 1, is thought to have contributed to the establishment of Halloween’s current date. During this occasion, Romans would offer nuts and apples to the deities, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Today’s Halloween customs, like apple bobbing and enjoying toffee apples, echo Pomona’s association with these cherished fruits.
Pomona in Art and Literature
Throughout history, Pomona has served as a significant muse, captivating numerous artists and writers from the 16th to the 19th century. Notable figures like Peter Paul Rubens illustrated her innocent and cherubic beauty, while Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris celebrated her vibrant connections to nature’s fertility, aligning closely with their artistic themes.
Additionally, Pomona’s legacy persists in modern culture, seen in Karl Bitter’s Pulitzer Fountain erected in Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza and in C. S. Lewis’ beloved 1950s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, where she is portrayed as a wood goddess who bestows blessings upon an orchard near Cair Paravel.
