Dragonfruit Fruit Symbolism Facts & Literature: Astrology, Omens, Dreams, and Legends
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Dragonfruit Fruit Symbolism & Meaning
Because of the dragonfruit’s unusual appearance as far as fruits come and thriving in dry tropical climates is often associated with exoticism, especially in the Western world.
It is also symbolically linked with luck, protection, and victory, with folklore describing it as a prize to be given after completing a nearly impossible task. Dragonfruits are also associated with prosperity and royalty, being fruits that produce delicious flesh and flavors in near desert climates.
Dragonfruits are also greatly associated with health for their high nutrient content and as one of the fruits that are highly recommended to help reduce the risks of many illnesses like diabetes or cancer.
The dragonfruit’s former scientific name, Hylocereus, is a combination of the Greek word hyle which translates to “woody” and the Latin word cereus which translates to “waxen” describing the fruit’s stem.
Although not as common as other fruits, the dragonfruit is still used as an emblem or icon by many groups or institutions.
Dragonfruit Media is a Los Angeles-based media production company specializing in video content creation. Their logo is a slanted halved dragonfruit in a solid red color, resembling a meteor.
According to Dragonfruit Mental Wellness App’s website, they provide “accessible and affordable mental health support by Asians, for Asians.” The icon of the app is a chibi version of the dragonfruit, sporting a happy face.
Dragon Flora is an India-based organization with the aim to develop and improve quality dragonfruit farms in India along with promoting dragonfruit products. Their emblem includes dragonfruit graphics: one whole dragon fruit, and a halved dragonfruit in place of the Os in the organization’s name.
Dargonfruit Food Media is a media company specializing in taking photos and videos of food for commercial use. Based in Essex, England, their emblem contains a graphic of a halved dragon fruit.
Nord Exotic is a blog with an abstract graphic of a dragon fruit as its icon. The owner dedicated the blog to exploring the gardening of exotic fruits and making them more accessible in Nordic climates.
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Dragonfruit Fruit Positive & Negative Symbolism
The majority of the dragonfruit’s symbolism is positive, including being associated with royalty, prosperity, luck, victory, health, and protection.
The exception may be its one negative symbolism being an invasive species in lands where it is introduced. Dragonfruits contribute to the decline of native plant populations in some areas of the world, making it negatively associated with the destruction of a healthy ecosystem.
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Dragonfruit Fruit Origin
The dragonfruit’s origins are commonly agreed to be found in Central America, specifically in Mexico. From there, it was naturally spread through animal migration and human trade with nearby regions like the Carribeans cultivating the fruit.
The Spanish first introduced dragonfruits to the Philippines as early as 1500 and from there, the fruit was introduced to other parts of Asia.
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Dragonfruit Fruit Cultural Symbolism
Dragonfruits were held in high regard in Central America. Specifically for the Mayans, dragonsfruits are symbols of abundance and fertility and are treated as a sacred fruit from the gods. The Mayans also associate the dragonfruit, with its black seeds amidst its white or purple flesh, with the balance between life and death.
In China, dragon fruits are also sacred and are seen to symbolize fortune and prosperity. These fruits are also used in rituals and traditional ceremonies as they are believed to cast out negative energy and bring in positivity and spiritual growth.
Similarly, the Vietnamese use dragon fruits in rituals and traditional ceremonies to attract positive energy and good fortune. The fruits are symbols of luck and abundance in Vietnam and are linked to the mystical dragons, with the fruit’s Vietnamese name “thanh long” translating to “dragon’s eye”.
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Dragonfruit Fruit in Art and Literature
Dragonfruits have inspired many works of art and literature over the years, with more notable works being produced in modern times.
The iconic Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, painted a still life of five decaying Pitahayas in 1938 with the one fantastical element of the skeletal grim reaper watching over the fruits.
The work of the Guatemalan artist, Roberto Ossaye, Dragon Fruit in 1953, is currently in exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art. This oil painting is of two halves of a sliced dragon fruit, painted in the cubism style.
Dragonfruits have also inspired great works of literature including the young adult fantasy novel titled Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier, first published in 2024. The novel is based on Pacific Island mythology and features a magical dragonfruit.
The 2020 children’s book, titled Krit Dreams of Dragon Fruit: A Story of Leaving and Finding Home by Natalie Becher and Emily France, and illustrator Samantha Woo also features fantastical dragonfruits.
The American poet, Alyssa Cassarino published a poetry book in 2023 titled Dragon Fruit (Poems on Relationships), making up works of poetry exploring themes on relationships, mental health, and grief.
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Dragonfruit Favorite Fruit: Traits and Personality
If the dragonfruit is your favorite fruit, this could indicate that you possess a sweet personality that not many are privileged to experience. Like the dragonfruit, you hide your inner thoughts and opinions behind a tough exterior.
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Dragonfruit Fruit in Astrology or Zodiac
The alien-like appearance of the dragon fruit makes it the perfect fit for individualistic Aquarius. They’re the zodiac sign that values individual expressions the most out of all the zodiac signs, and like the dragon fruit, thrived on being unique and out there.
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Dragonfruit Fruit in Dreams
Dreaming of dragon fruits could be interpreted as different positive things including incoming wealth, luck, and abundance. Dragonfruit dreams can also mean there are new opportunities on the horizon or there will be a re-ignition of lost passions.
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Dragonfruit Fruit Omens and Superstitions
In many cultures around the world, the dragonfruit is used in ritualistic ceremonies with the belief that it is capable of bringing positive energy, luck, and fortune.
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Dragonfruit Fruit Legends, Mythology, and Folklore
The legend of the origin of the dragonfruit tells the story that fire-breathing dragons once roamed the earth and were slain by warriors. The last thing the dragons breathed out of their mouths once they were killed were the dragon fruits which were quickly presented to the emperor as a symbol of victory against the fearsome dragons.
In Vietnamese mythology, the dragon fruits were gifts from the celestial Dragon Prince as a symbol of his love for a mortal girl.