There are few things that taste better than fresh cherries. This is why there are so many delicious dishes that have cherries as the main ingredient.
But, did you know that there is a lot more to cherries than the fact that they are delicious and nutritious?
For hundreds of years, cherries have been very important in literature and art, and cherry symbolism is huge in both.
The meaning behind cherries is varied. This tasty fruit appears in many cultures, in many different eras.
The cherries we love to eat originally came from Asia, where they are grown in the rich soil that lies between the Black and Caspian Seas.
Even today, no one is quite sure how cherries came to Europe, but most of us are some glad they did! We do know that they came to America in the 1600’s, and have continued to grow in popularity all over the world.
You will find cherries referenced by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher who lived between 371 and 287 BCE.
There is mention of Roman conquerors and Chinese aristocrats enjoying cherries. This was a food for all, from the working class to the aristocratic.
Today we are going to take a look at cherry symbolism, their spiritual meaning, and more. Let’s get started.
Cherry History
Did you know that the cherry dates back thousands of years? Actually, there is documentation of cherries as far back as ancient Roman times, way back to 72 BC.
Here is something very interesting to consider. Some living cherry trees actually date back almost to these times!
There are cherry trees in Japan that are thought to be over 1,000 years old.
Another cherry tree, located on the grounds of Jisso-ji Temple in Hokuto, Japan may be close to 2,000 years old!
This tree has a very dense trunk with a circumference that is nearly the same as its height, about 30 feet.
Here is an interesting tidbit. There are over 1,000 varieties of cherries growing in the wild throughout the world. But, less than 10 of these varieties are grown to produce edible fruit.
Today, there are two main types of cherries grown in the US, sweet and tart. Within these types are a few different varieties.
When speaking of the sweet cherries, we think of Bing cherries first and foremost.
Other sweet varieties include the Lambert cherry, as well as the Rainier cherry. Both are grown in Oregon, California, and Washington.
You will find the tart cherries being grown in such areas as Wisconsin and Michigan.
Cherry Symbolism
The cherry is not just a delicious fruit. It is also very symbolic in cultures all over the world.
For instance, in Japan, the cherry is a symbol of good fortune. It can also symbolize new beginnings.
Japanese folklore states that when the cherry tree is revered for not only its precious fruit, but also its beauty.
The cherry represents beauty and pleasure.
Because the blossoms only last for a short period, they can also be symbolic of the time we have to share with others and give to ourselves.
Time is short, and we have to do as much as we can in the time that is given to us. The cherry is a reminder of this.
In ancient China, cherries were thought to symbolize immortality.
There is a Chinese legend that speaks of the goddess Xi Wang Mu. She had a garden with cherries of immortality.
These cherries only ripened once every thousand years.
Cherries in Mythology
Ancient mythology is filled with lore about the cherry.
For instance, it was thought that cherry trees and their fruit contained the elixir that gave the gods immortality.
It may even be that the cherry was thought to be ambrosia (food of gods), or at least part of it.
In ancient Buddhist lore, the cherry is symbolic of femininity and fertility.
One legend states that Buddha’s mother was supported by a holy cherry tree while she was birthing her son.
There is also Chinese lore about cherries. For instance, some tales talk of the Phoenix and the cherry blossom.
It is said that the Phoenix would bless a cherry blossom with everlasting life by sleeping on a bed of the flowers.
The cherry is also very symbolic in western culture. It is thought that the cherry is a symbol of good luck and future happiness.
Cherry Symbolism in Christianity
Most of us don’t take the time to think about what many things may symbolize, including cherries.
But, you might be surprised to learn just how symbolic cherries actually are in many cultures around the world.
For instance, you will find cherries in medieval literature and art. Take “The Cherry-Tree Carol”. This Christmas song has been around since the fifteenth century.
In this song, a pregnant Mary and her husband Joseph travel to Bethlehem to take part in the census.
During their travels, they stop to have a rest, and they just happen to stop at a cherry orchard.
Mary asks her husband to pick some of the…
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