Kumquat Fruit Symbolism Facts & Literature: Astrology, Omens, Dreams, and Legends
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Kumquat Fruit Symbolism & Meaning
The kumquat’s original name in Catonese, gamgwat, when translated means golden orange. Indeed, one of these tiny citrus’s symbolic meanings is gold. It also symbolizes good fortune and wealth the common belief that attracts luck and fortune.
The kumquat is also associated with bounty and prosperity because its tree can bear multiple fruits at once.
Financial success and positive energy are also symbolisms that are assigned to the kumquat for the same reason.
The fruit’s bright color and small size display an image of youth and vulnerability when compared to larger citrus fruits. The kumquat’s enticing citrusy scent also linked it to freshness.
Like many citrus fruits, the kumquat is also proven to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, with lesser contents of fiber and Vitamin A, making them closely associated with health.
Kumquat Co. is a pan-African design consultancy company that helps organizations with design, branding, and communication strategies. Their emblem is made up of three pairs of black oblongs, resembling kumquats on the branch.
Kumquat Solar is a USA-based company that provides selected states with energy solutions using solar energy. Their emblem is the image of a sliced kumquat cut in half next to the company name.
Kumquat Marketing is a marketing company that specializes in customized integrated marketing and communications strategies with the silhouette of the kumquat in a green and orange ombre as their emblem.
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Kumquat Fruit Positive & Negative Symbolism
There are many positive symbolisms associated with the kumquat. They are mainly symbols of wealth and good fortune and are often dubbed as “little gold gems in the citrus industry” because of their thriving cultivation.
There is little to no negative symbolism associated with the kumquat fruit.
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Kumquat Fruit Origin
The kumquat originated in China, particularly in the southeastern region of the country, and has been enjoyed as early as the Tang dynasty (618-907) and throughout the Song dynasty (960-1279).
The earliest written description of the small golden fruit was found in Chinese literature dating back to the year AD 1178.
The cultivation of the kumquat spread to the rest of East Asia and Southeast Asia and eventually made its way to different parts of the world throughout the centuries, through trade or introduction by explorers.
The kumquats were first introduced in Europe in 1864 by a collector of London Horticultural Society, Robert Fortune.
Today, the kumquat are important agricultural commodities in many parts of the globe.
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Kumquat Fruit Cultural Symbolism
In China, the kumquat is equivalent to financial growth, luck, and good fortune. The Chinese would have kumquat plants as houseplants with the popular belief of attracting luck and fortune, as well as for its fresh citrusy scent.
Kumquat plants are also common gifts for the Lunar New Year in China as a means to wish the receiver luck. The plants are also commonly grown outside of homes and can be grown as bonsai.
On the island of Corfu, Greece, Venetian merchants introduced kumquat. The fruit thrived on the island’s rich solid and Mediterranean climate and the locals adapted the golden citrus into the traditional cuisine. Today, kumquats are celebrated in annual festivals and are seen as symbols of culture and heritage on the small Greek island.
In Dade, Florida, kumquats are also important agricultural commodities, so much so that they established an annual Kumquat Festival where many kumquat dishes are celebrated.
Among the circles of food enthusiasts, kumquats are considered to be niche ingredients for those looking for unique and novel dishes.
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Kumquat Fruit in Art and Literature
The American artist known for his colorful artworks that inspired the pop art movement, Robert Rauschenberg, created his artwork in 1969 titled “Banner (Stoned Moon), a collage featuring a cutout poster of kumquats from the state of Florida amidst inky symbols.
Walter Hood Fitch, the Scottish botanical illustrator, illustrated kumquats still on the branch in 1874. This artwork is believed to be one of the first illustrations of kumquats by a Western artist.
The British artist, Warren Storey, created a still-life oil painting titled “Kumquat and Grapes” in 1986, now housed in the Royal West of England Academy.
The contemporary artist, Melissa Willett, also created a colorful oil painting of a kumquat tree fully sprouting the orange fruits in 2020.
In the literary world, a romantic comedy novel with horror elements titled Kumquat was published in 2014 by American writer, Jeff Strand.
The English poet, Tony Harrison, wrote the poem titled Kumquat for John Keats in 1981 and included this poem in his poetry book, Selected Poems, first published in 1984.
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Kumquat Favorite Fruit: Traits and Personality
If the kumquat is your favorite fruit, this could indicate that you have an extroverted and adventurous personality. You thrive being part of a team and are conscientious of what is best for the group. Others may describe you as unique, friendly, and honest.
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Kumquat Fruit in Astrology or Zodiac
If the kumquat is your favorite fruit, this could indicate that you have an extroverted and adventurous personality. You thrive being part of a team and are conscientious of what is best for the group. Others may describe you as unique, friendly, and honest.
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Kumquat Fruit in Dreams
Dreaming of kumquat may be interpreted as the dreamer needing to tap into their hidden potential. They may also benefit from trying new opportunities or carving out new pathways for themselves. Kumquats in dreams are reminders to not be afraid of change and to nourish existing abilities.
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Kumquat Fruit Omens and Superstitions
A common superstition in Asia is having a kumquat tree for a houseplant will help attract financial success and good luck. It is also believed that eating kumquat during the Lunar New Year will bring success and good luck.
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Kumquat Fruit Legends, Mythology, and Folklore
No legends or mythology seem to exist about kumquats. However, on the island of Corfu, Greece, a legend between the nymph, Korkyra, and Poseidon is told. According to local folklore, their union is the reason why the island of Corfu is blessed with the perfect climate and nutritious soil where a number of fruits can thrive, including the kumquat.
