The mystical story of the pumpkin: why it became a symbol of autumn

Pumpkin is one of the brightest and most recognizable symbols of autumn. Its orange, yellow and green fruits decorate houses, are used in cooking and become the heroes of the autumn holidays. However, pumpkin is not only a decorative element, but also a product with a rich history, deep symbolic meaning and many useful properties. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Pumpkin History: from ancient times to modern times

The pumpkin is considered to be native to Central and South America. Archaeological finds indicate that pumpkin seeds were discovered in settlements that are more than 7 thousand years old. Indigenous peoples such as the Maya and the Aztecs used pumpkin not only as a food item, but also as vessels for storing liquids and food. They dried, fried and boiled it, and also used the seeds for medicinal purposes.

Pumpkin was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors. However, it was widely recognized as a food culture only by the 17th century. Pumpkin appeared in Russia in the XVI–XVII centuries and quickly gained popularity due to its unpretentiousness and nutritional value.

Why has the pumpkin become a symbol of autumn

Pumpkin is associated with autumn for several reasons. Firstly, its fruits ripen during this particular season, filling markets and gardens with bright orange hues. Secondly, the pumpkin is a symbol of abundance and fertility, which is associated with the completion of the agricultural cycle.

Thirdly, the pumpkin plays an important role in autumn holidays such as Halloween, where it is used to create lanterns, as well as in Slavic rituals dedicated to harvest and thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth.

In Slavic mythology, the pumpkin is associated with the goddess of Life, the patroness of fertility. She is responsible not only for the earthly and human harvest, but also, being the wife of Dazhbog, symbolizes material abundance. Therefore, the pumpkin was originally a sign of matchmaking among the Western Slavs, but over time, with the loss of traditions, it began to symbolize rejection.

What is useful for pumpkin and how can it be eaten?

Pumpkin is not only delicious, but also a healthy product. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B groups, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. 100 g of raw pumpkin contains only 22 calories, which makes it an ideal product for dietary nutrition.

Pumpkin pulp has antioxidant properties, supports skin health, helps normalize blood pressure and improve digestion. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, magnesium and beneficial fatty acids, and also have an anthelmintic effect.

Pumpkin is used in cooking in a variety of ways: it is baked, boiled, stewed, soups, mashed potatoes, casseroles, pies and even drinks are made from it. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, fried, or added to various dishes. Pumpkin seed oil is used in cosmetology and folk medicine.