Nuts About Weddings

In cultures of antiquity, the almond symbolized fertility and marriage. Ancient pagans used almonds as fertility charms, while Romans showered their newlyweds with them to ensure a long and fruitful union. In many countries, including America, candied almonds are still offered at weddings as a symbol of marriage and good fortune.

A Nut of Mythic Proportions

The flowering almond tree makes notable appearances in many myths and legends. One of the more memorable of these is the myth of Phyllis, queen of ancient Thrace, who dies from grief after being abandoned by her lover. In a gesture of pity, the gods change the dead queen into an almond tree. When her long-absent lover returns, he is shown the leafless tree, upon which it immediately bursts into bloom - a symbol of everlasting love.

Almonds in the Bible

Almonds are mentioned frequently in the Bible as both objects of value and symbols of hope. When a famine strikes the ancient land of Canaan, Jacob asks his sons to bring almonds with them to Egypt to exchange for grain. Moses is instructed to distribute 12 almond branches and look for the one that has blossomed as a sign of God's favor. Also, the traditional Hebrew menorah (seven-branched candelabra) features almond blossoms in its design.

A Literary Nut

The almond has been a favorite symbol among writers from the Bible onward. In Shakespeare's age, the almond tree was a common sight in many London gardens and orchards. Spenser describes them in his famous Fairy Queen, and Shakespeare himself refers to the almond in his play, Troilus and Cressida, as a powerful symbol of temptation.

Almonds and the Arts

In the art world, the almond's beautiful shape and strong symbolism have influenced everything from Persian rugs to Italian mandolins. Van Gogh alone devoted over a dozen paintings to their likeness.