Pear Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
I
Pear Tree Facts
There are over 3,000 different species of Pear Trees around the world. The Pear Tree’s genus name is Pyrus and belongs to the family Rosaceae, making it related to the apple tree. The many different varieties of the Pear Tree are cultivated in many countries as it is highly valued for its delicious fruit and high-quality wood.
Pear Trees are native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa and grow in mildly temperate coastal regions. The trees can grow 40 feet tall and develop a canopy 30 feet wide. They can live up to 50 to 250 years and are highly resilient to cold and draught. Most Pear Trees are deciduous with a few evergreen varieties that are used as ornamental trees.
The leathery leaves of the Pear Tree have a round-oval shape that wedges out at the tip. Pear Tree blooms abundant clusters of small usually white five-petal flowers with five sepals in spring. Though attractive, the flowers produce an unpleasant scent akin to rotten fish.
Pear fruits are highly cultivated worldwide with many varieties. The most known Pear fruit variety is what arboriculturist call the European-type Pear. They have a round bell shape and are juicier and softer. Other varieties of Pears are grouped as the Asian-type Pear which resembles an apple. These Pears are crisp like an apple and are mainly grown in Asia.
China ranks first in worldwide Pear production followed by the USA. Ninety percent of their Pear Trees are grown in Oregon and Washington.
A way to distinguish Pears from apples is by the presence of stone cells in the Pear’s skin. All Pears are handpicked and the trees start to bear fruit from 4 to 6 years old.
II
Pear Tree Uses
Pear Trees are highly cultivated for their fruits. Pears are eaten raw and are used to make a variety of culinary recipes like jams, pies, jellies, tarts, cobblers, and bread. Commercially, Pears are canned, dried, and juiced. They are also used to make alcohol products like brandy.
The fruits are a great source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, and they are one of the least allergenic fruits in the market.
Pear Trees are also valued for their high-quality wood. It is the preferred wood to make woodwind instruments, and it makes high-quality furniture.
Pear wood is resistant to warping and splintering, making it the preferred wood to make measurement tools, umbrella handles, and many more. They also use wood from Pear Trees for kitchen utensils as it does not contaminate food with smell, color, or flavor.
Pear Tree wood is also used in firewood, smoking meat and tobacco because of its aromatic smoke.
III
Pear Tree History
Pear Trees have ancient roots that go back thousands of years. It is believed that Pear Trees first sprang up in the Caucasus mountains and the mountain regions of Central Asia. Ancient civilizations started cultivating the Pear Tree for its fruit and timber.
In China, Pear cultivation started as early as 2000 BC. “The Cultivation of Pear Trees” is also an article featured in the Book of Agriculture by Ibn al-‘Awwam in the 12th century.
The Romans valued the Pear Tree for its fruits which they ate raw or cooked. There are several ancient Roman recipes using the Pear along with documents of its many varieties. The ancient Greeks believed Pears to be aphrodisiacs.
The Romans introduced Pear Trees to British soil and over the centuries, the British cultivated their own variety of Pears.
European explorers brought Pear Trees to the New World when they established their colonies. Spanish missionaries also introduced Pears to Mexico and California.
Today, the two major Pear varieties in the world were developed in Europe and Asia with most Pear-cultivating country having developed their variety of Pear Trees.
IV
Pear Tree Positive Symbolism
Since ancient times, Pear Trees have been symbols of immortality, sustenance, longevity, and abundance. Its capacity to bear fruit for many decades and its long lifespan made the Pear Tree a sacred symbol of the love of deities to its worshippers.
The Pear is also closely linked to the female body form and came to symbolize femininity, fertility, and female sexuality. This also made the Pear a symbol of motherhood.
V
Pear Tree Negative Symbolism
In Chinese culture, sharing Pears with loved ones or a partner can be a negative symbol. The act of slicing a Pear in half can mean the ending of a relationship or the loss of love. The destruction of Pear Trees also negatively symbolizes a tragic death.
VI
Pear Tree Cultural Symbolism
The ancient Greeks believed Pears to possess aphrodisiac properties and consecrated the fruit to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
In Christianity, Pear Trees are always depicted whenever Jesus expresses his love to mankind, connecting Pears to eternal life and salvation. The Pear Tree is also featured in the song, Twelve Days of Christmas.
In China, Pears are symbols of immortality and eternal life. They are common offerings to shrines and as symbols to celebrate loved ones.
In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I made the Pear an emblem of the city of Worcester when she saw a beautiful Pear Tree upon entering the city.
The Vainahk people from the North Caucasus venerated the Pear Tree in their religion, believing the trees to be sacred abodes of spirits.
VII
Pear Tree Zodiac Sign
Pear Trees are fitted for the zodiac sign Capricorn. Those born under the sign of Capricorn are lifelong friends and loyal to those they love. They are hardworking people that can achieve great things because of their strong work ethic, much like the Pear Tree’s long lifespan and abundance of fruit yield.
VIII
Pear Tree in Dreams
Seeing a Pear Tree in dreams can mean different things depending on the situation of the dreamer. In general, dreaming of a Pear Tree can mean positive things. It is associated with good things to come, peace, and happiness for their family and home. A Pear Tree in a dream can also mean good luck and fortune.
IX
Pear Tree Omens and Superstitions
A common superstition in Chinese culture is that splitting a Pear with a loved one is taboo. This will cause separation because the Pear in Chinese is “fen li”, which shares its pronunciation with the Chinese word of separation.
X
Pear Tree Mythology and Folklore
The ancient Greeks believed that Pears were gifts from the gods and were mentioned as growing in the orchard of the mythical Alcinous in the Odyssey. The Pears, along with other fruits, were described as never rotting and can last through summer and winter.
