Pear Fruit Symbolism Facts & Literature: Astrology, Omens, Dreams, and Legends

I
Pear Fruit Symbolism & Meaning

With its unique shape and rich symbolism across different cultures, pears have long been associated with abundance, well-being, and inner peace. Throughout history, the pear has often been a symbol of comfort and harmony, long life and immortality, wealth and prosperity.

With its curvature shape, the pear also has strong ties with femininity, the womb, and fertility. Due to its positive symbolism, it has also been a powerful emblem for different organizations and institutions worldwide that are committed to promoting their positive missions and values.

P:ear, a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, is a BIPOC-led organization dedicated to supporting homeless youths through building positive relationships and different programs centered on creating meaningful and healthier lives. Their icon is an outlined illustration of a pear, with their values aligning with one of the pear’s prominent symbolism: comfort and harmony.

The Pears Foundation is a family-run charitable foundation committed to supporting social causes through philanthropic efforts. Their icon, while not illustrated as a pear, is an abstract and minimalist take on the fruit. The foundation mainly uses the color of the pear as a part of its brand identity.

A school in Vancouver called the Pear Tree School is a private institution that is dedicated to growth, harmony, and the nurturing of young minds. Their use of a pear as an icon resonates with the themes of abundance, growth, and resilience. Their icon features a simple illustration of a pear with a single leaf on top and an outlined illustration of a tree integrated inside the fruit.

II
Pear Fruit Positive & Negative Symbolism

The pear is a fruit with rich positive symbolism but also a fair share of negative connotations across different cultures. The pear often represents abundance, nourishment, and the longevity of life.

In Western culture, the pear is used as a symbol of sustenance and support as it is a fruit that provides nourishment to the body, and offers comfort and positive implications in one’s health.

However, in Chinese culture, the pear embodies both negative and positive meanings. The Chinese word for pear (lí), sounds similar to the word for separation (lí), which has led to the belief that loved ones who share the fruit are bound to separate. This has also led to the belief that bringing a pear to someone who is sick is considered bad luck as the gesture is seen as bidding farewell to their loved ones.

On the other hand, the pear symbolizes the cycle of separation and reunion. This led to the cyclical view of human connections, where parting ways with loved ones is a natural process so they can be reunited again. It highlights the ever-changing nature of relationships and the balance between closeness and distance.

III
Pear Fruit Origin

Pears or Pyrus in its scientific name, belong to the Rosaceae family and is believed to have ancient origins tracing back to the regions that surround the Caspian Sea, including Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Because of fossil records, it was known that wild pear species existed as far back as prehistoric times in these areas.

The earliest recorded existence of pears dates back to around 5000 BCE in regions that are now part of China, with the evidence of cultivation led historians and botanists to believe that pears were one of the first fruits cultivated by humans. From there, the fruit gradually spread to some parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Pears were introduced to Europe through trade routes where they became popular among the Greeks and Romans. Romans who learned pear cultivation techniques brought it to other parts of Europe.

By the Middle Ages, some of the European regions had already developed their pear varieties, each suited to the local climate and taste preferences.

IV
Pear Fruit Cultural Symbolism

In ancient Greek and Roman culture, the pear was known to be dedicated to Hera and her Roman counterpart Juno, the goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth. The pear is believed to be associated with the goddess due to its rounded form that represents the womb, and its sweet, nurturing taste, which is believed to symbolize the qualities associated with women and marriage.

Like Hera, the pear was also associated with Aphrodite and her Roman counterpart, Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It was believed that pears have aphrodisiac qualities that stir romance and passion. The fruit became significant in symbolizing desire, attraction, and love.

Ancient Greeks also associated pears with fertility because of their abundance of seeds. These seeds are used in agricultural and communal ceremonies and rituals.

To the Nakh people of the Northern Caucasus, the pear tree was considered sacred and was worshiped from the 9th to 11th centuries.

In Chinese culture, the pear is seen as a symbol of continuous life and immortality and is offered to departed loved ones.

In Japanese culture, a pear tree is often planted in front of a house as a symbol of protection from negative or malevolent spirits.

In Christianity, the pear is considered the forbidden fruit that depicts the fall from grace, sin, and temptation as it resembles the human heart. However, in the Bible, the pear tree is often associated with Jesus Christ as it symbolizes his love for humanity.

V
Pear Fruit in Art and Literature

In literature, one of the prominent appearances of the pear fruit is in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. The pear tree that grew in the garden of Alcinöus was mentioned as one of the ‘gifts of gods’.

The Italian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini painted the Madonna of the Pear in 1845. It was believed that the pear in the painting depicted mortal sins.

In 1590, Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Acimboldo painted Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II of Habsburg as Vertumnus, the Roman god of seasons, plant growth, and change.

Vincent van Gogh’s Still Life with Pears, Apples, Lemons, and Grapes, painted in 1887, is a unique study of still life painting, where he captures everyday objects with intense vibrancy and expressive brushstrokes, bringing life into his paintings.

In a 1937 novel entitled ‘Their Eyes Are Watching God’ by Zora Neale Hurston, the pear tree was said to symbolize the sexual awakening and connection to nature of the character Janie Starks.

The pear was also referenced in the popular Christmas song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. It was believed that in the line a partridge in a pear tree, the pear tree was a symbol of redemption whereas the partridge symbolizes Jesus Christ.

VI
Pear Favorite Fruit: Traits and Personality

If pear is your favorite fruit, this could mean that you are often described as an energetic person with many ideas, but is only motivated for short periods. You may be called high-strung as you love making friends but you often struggle to maintain friendships. Your main traits are empathy, nurturing, and helpfulness.

VII
Pear Fruit in Astrology or Zodiac

The pear is considered a fruit that represents those who are born under the astrological sign Gemini due to their traits and personalities that align with the symbolic meaning of pears. The dual shape of the pear reflects the duality and versatility of Geminis, their ability to adapt to their surroundings, their affinity for change, and their multifaceted personality.

VIII
Pear Fruit in Dreams

When a pear appears in a dream, it could indicate that the dreamer needs physical or emotional nourishment, and having close relationships. It could also be a sign that you want popularity or respect in your waking life.

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Pear Fruit Omens and Superstitions

In Chinese culture, pears are not supposed to be shared with loved ones as it could mean separation. Bringing pears to loved ones who are sick or in a hospital is also considered bad luck as this could mean saying goodbye.

X
Pear Fruit Legends, Mythology, and Folklore

In Korean legends, it is believed that consuming pears can give women fertility, wisdom, and health.

In Greek and Roman mythology, the pear is believed to be a gift from the gods. The pear is also a prominent fruit that is included in rituals and offerings to honor Aphrodite or Venus as they embody love, femininity, and desire.

The ‘bloody pear’ that grew on the sire of the battle of Evesham in Worcestershire, England in 1265 is said to retain memories of bloodshed.

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