Durian Fruit Symbolism Facts & Literature: Astrology, Omens, Dreams, and Legends
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Durian Fruit Symbolism & Meaning
Durian, coming from the Malay word duri meaning thorny, is considered the king of fruits in some regions. Due to having a thick, spiky rind, pungent aroma, and a creamy golden pulp on the inside, the Durian has been a symbol of mystique in Southeast Asia for a long time. It can be seen featured in several emblems today.
The Hernan Incorporation established in 1996 is the largest and leading exporter of Malaysian Durian all over the world, be it China, US, Canada, New Zealand, you name it. They are also best known for their special variety of Durian, the Musang King. Their emblem is simple – a stylized Durian incorporated in their company name.
The Universal Durian is another leading exporter of Durian founded in the year 2014 in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Their icon showcases a graphic of the Durian Fruit with their company name at its core.
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Durian Fruit Positive & Negative Symbolism
Durians have always been associated with good luck, wealth, and prosperity. In certain Southeast Asian countries, gifting a Durian signifies financial abundance and success. It can also be an expression of your love and affection when shared. Nevertheless, in certain beliefs, Durian symbolizes conflict and aggression. Its prickly appearance and potent aroma are thought to worsen disputes and tensions.
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Durian Fruit Origin
The Durian is believed to have originated from Borneo Island in Malaysia, where various varieties have been cultivated for centuries. It rapidly gained fame after it was introduced by traders and travelers to other parts of the region. By the 19th century, it was finally introduced to Europe and the United States, where it gained popularity as well. Today, it is being eaten all over the world and is dubbed the King of Fruits in Southeast Asia, reflecting its global appeal.
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Durian Fruit Cultural Symbolism
The king of fruits not only carries such an amazing title but is also a cultural icon, especially in Southeast Asian cultures. You may already know that the Durian has a high market value which is a testament to its fame and economic significance. They can be given as presents which is a symbol of respect and hospitality among many regions. They even have Durian-themed gatherings to celebrate the harvest. The significance of Durian not only persisted in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, to name a few, but it still continues to grow to this day, signifying its enduring legacy.
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Durian Fruit in Art and Literature
Chatri Sowanatrakul is an accomplished artist and the owner of a 12-acre Durian orchard in Nakhon Nayok province called Suan La-Ong Fa. His orchard is a sanctuary for rare varieties of Thai Durian, most of which have been wiped out in the floods of 1942. During that time, his father, Chom, collected cuttings from dying Durian trees and salvaged seeds from the garbage cans of the rich.
After inheriting the farm from his father in 1992, the organic orchard is keeping safe over 50 lost varieties of Durian inside the small land. Durians like the Chomposee which has a pink colored flesh rather than yellow is present, also the Sawnoi, a tiny round variant dubbed as the Little Lady, and many more. Chatri finds inspiration in his sanctuary and his paintings are filled with these Durian trees.
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Durian Favorite Fruit: Traits and Personality
Having Durian as a favorite fruit says a lot about a person. It means they are open-minded individuals with a curious nature as they are interested in exploring and understanding diverse things. They are also bold, adventurous, and resilient – unafraid of trying something unconventional, can handle challenges, and are open to enjoying new experiences.
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Durian Fruit in Astrology or Zodiac
You may be surprised to know that Capricorns are associated with Durians. Like the fruit, they are mostly misunderstood. People of this zodiac sign seem stoic, serious, and intimidating on the surface but deep down, they are shockingly sweet and emotional. Capricorns are a tough nut to crack, but it is beyond rewarding when you finally get to know them.
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Durian Fruit in Dreams
When dreaming of eating Durian, it typically represents your feelings of joy and is associated with relaxation and indulgence. However, eating it excessively in a dream could be a sign for you to reevaluate yourself and find balance in your life. Another interpretation on dreaming of the Durian is that your unpleasant memories are hindering you from discovering your true self.
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Durian Fruit Omens and Superstitions
In some cultures, they believe that eating Durians can give you strength and increase your vitality. They say the fruit’s strong flavor enhances physical power and energy. However, there are negative superstitions about the fruit as well. It is said that when a Durian falls on you – any part of your body – then you are declared a wicked person by the king of fruits. Eating Durian as you drink alcohol is also a bad omen as it is believed to lead to severe health problems or even cause sudden death.
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Durian Fruit Legends, Mythology, and Folklore
In Philippine folklore, there is a story about how the Durian came to be. In the kingdom of Calinan in Visayas, the old king, Barom Mai, married a young bride called Madayaw-Bayho. Wanting his queen to fall in love with him, the king sought help from Impit Purok, the mystical hermit living in a cave in Mt. Apo.
He concocted a love potion made from 3 rare ingredients: the egg of a black tabon bird to soften the maiden’s heart, 12 ladles of milk from a pure and unblemished white buffalo to make her kind, and the nectar from the flower of the make-believe tree to make the king seem young and handsome. The potion was then planted in the palace garden. The morning after, the Durian tree sprang from it with an aromatic fruit so sweet and delicious that it made the queen fall in love with the king.
The king held a royal feast but forgot to invite the hermit. Impit Purok was so furious he cursed the Durian tree. The sweet smell the fruit emitted became rancid while its smooth and delicate skin grew piercing thorns. The queen never ate the fruit again and ultimately stopped loving the king.
