Journey from Native Tribes to Pilgrims’ Tables

Pumpkins, native to North America, have been cultivated by Native American tribes for thousands of years. They hold a significant place in their traditional practices and cuisines, deeply integrated into their culture. Certain Native American groups, such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo, have even established Pumpkin Clans and hold traditional Pumpkin Flower Dances. 

Upon their arrival in America, the Pilgrims and other early European settlers were introduced to pumpkins by the Native Americans. Pumpkins became an essential part of the settlers’ diets because of their versatility, long shelf life, and ease of cultivation. The tradition of pumpkin pie can be traced back to these early settlers, who created a version by hollowing out a pumpkin, filling it with milk, honey, and spices, and baking it in hot ashes. 

Today, pumpkin pie remains a beloved dessert served during Thanksgiving. Pumpkin puree is a common ingredient in many Thanksgiving recipes, adding to the holiday’s distinct flavours.

First Thanksgiving_pilgrims and native Americans(1621); Source: jstor.org

PUMPKIN HEADS AND EMPTY MINDS

Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, in his famous vegetable compilation portraits, equated pumpkins with a man’s mental capacities or the lack thereof. In his late 16th-century paintings, titled Autumn (1573) and Vertumnus-Rudlof II (1591), Arcimboldo depicted an assortment of garden produce to form the outline and features of a man’s head and torso. In Autumn, the man has a pumpkin head, and in Vertumnus-Rudlof II, a pumpkin heart or chest. The artist’s strategic placement of the pumpkins suggests his commentary on his subject’s perceived mental emptiness.

The portraits confounded and delighted Arcimboldo’s contemporaries, as well as later generations of scholars. Interpretations of these vegetable portraits have ranged from allegories of the universe to “serious jokes” about the Habsburg monarchy.

Vertumnus-Rudlof II (1591); Source: wikimedia

HARVEST OF DESIRES

In the 16th century, Dutch artists Pieter Aertsen and Joachim Beuckelaer such as often depicted plump peasant women surrounded by a bountiful harvest in their paintings. These women were often shown with an abundance of fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins and squashes, spilling out from giant baskets. The scenes also hinted at sexual allure, with men lurking in the background and gazing at the female peddlers and their products. The choice of rustic peasant women effectively conveyed themes of sexuality and unguarded lust, as they were believed to have a deeper connection with nature and were less constrained by social conventions.

Market Scene by Pieter Aersten (1591); Source: wikimedia

MAYAN LEGEND OF HERO TWINS, GODS, AND A PUMPKIN

In the ancient Mayan culture, pumpkins held great significance as symbols of life force and vitality. The Popol Vuh, a book documenting Mayan mythology, history, and traditions, tells the tale of the Hero Twins, Junajpu and Xb’alanke. These twins faced trials and battles against the Xibalba, the Lords of the Underworld, ultimately using a pumpkin to outsmart them and achieve victory.

In a ballgame challenge, Junajpu is decapitated by a giant bat, and his head is used as the ball. Xb’alanke cleverly uses a pumpkin to temporarily restore his brother’s head. The twins then deceive the Lords of Xibalba by turning a rabbit into the ball, allowing Xb’alanke to retrieve Junajpu’s true head and reattach it. The game concludes with the twins winning as Xb’alanke smashes the pumpkin-ball against the court wall, scattering seeds all around.

This ingenious use of the pumpkin not only helps the Hero Twins defeat the Lords of Xibalba but also symbolizes the victory of life over death. The scattering of seeds represents vital energy, the soul, or the seeds of life.

Sacrifice by decapitation, south ball game, El Tajín (Ladrón 2006: 83)

ORIGINS OF JACK-O-LANTERNS

The custom of carving pumpkins for Halloween originates from an Irish tale about Stingy Jack. Legend has it that Jack was denied entry into both heaven and hell upon his death. The devil, feeling sorry for him, gave Jack a burning coal to light his way, which he placed inside a hollowed-out turnip. Ever since, Jack’s spirit has been wandering the earth.

To ward off spirits like Stingy Jack, people in the British Isles began carving faces into turnips, potatoes, radishes, and beets. These carved vegetables would then have candles placed inside them, much like the pumpkin lanterns we associate with Halloween today. The belief was that these illuminated creations could keep evil at bay and bring light to the darkness.

When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to America, they found that pumpkins were more abundant and easier to carve than turnips. Thus, pumpkins became the go-to choice for Jack-o’-lanterns. Harvested in the fall, pumpkins’ vibrant orange hue and round shape make them ideal symbols of autumn and popular holiday decorations.

Irish turnip carving; Source: Smithsonianmag

PUMPKINS IN FOLKLORE AND LITERATURE

In the classic tale of “Cinderella,” a pumpkin is transformed into a stunning carriage by the fairy godmother, enabling Cinderella to conquer her obstacles and attend the grand ball, altering her fate forever.

Carriage turn back to a pumpkin: source: Hewet’s household stories for little folks (1855)

A different take on pumpkins can be seen in Frank Baum’s “Oz” series with the character Jack Pumpkinhead. Jack, with a wooden body and a pumpkin head brought to life by the Powder of Life, is kind-hearted yet naive, often worried about his head decaying. He plays a vital role in assisting Tip in overthrowing the Scarecrow and helping Princess Ozma claim her rightful place as ruler of Oz.

Jack the Pumpkinhead; source: project Gutenberg

The journey of a pumpkin, from a tiny seed in the soil to a delectable pie, is beautifully illustrated in William E. Barton’s early 20th-century poem “Story of Pumpkin Pie.” The poem’s message emphasizes the value of hard work and patience in farming and cooking, as well as the happiness that comes from sharing food with others.

Book: Story of pumpkin pie: source: project Gutenberg

POTENTIAL MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF PUMPKINS

Pumpkins are not just symbols in art, literature, and folklore; they offer significant scientific benefits. The ripe pumpkin pulp, seeds, powder, and peel are packed with fiber and essential minerals like zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and selenium, crucial for overall body function. Additionally, pumpkins contain bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic properties. Ongoing research is exploring the potential health benefits of pumpkin seeds in managing conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, cancer, depression, worm infections, and lifestyle disorders. Moreover, pumpkins can also be advantageous for skincare. A recent Thai study revealed that the polysaccharides found in Japanese pumpkins are excellent for maintaining skin hydration. Incorporating these compounds into skincare products could offer a safe and effective solution for combating skin dryness and signs of aging.

References

1. Paris, H.S. Historical records, origins, and development of the edible cultivar groups ofCucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae). Econ Bot 43, 423–443 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02935916

2. Ott, C., 2012. Pumpkin: The curious history of an American icon. University of Washington Press.

3. PATZÁN, D.M.G. and REGA, M.F., The Decapitation Ritual and the Ancient Maya Ballgame. From Archaeological Evidences to Sacred Stories.

4. Batool, M., Ranjha, M.M.A.N., Roobab, U., Manzoor, M.F., Farooq, U., Nadeem, H.R., Nadeem, M., Kanwal, R., AbdElgawad, H., Al Jaouni, S.K. and Selim, S., 2022. Nutritional value, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic benefits of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). Plants, 11(11), p.1394.

5. Devi, N.M., Prasad, R.V. and Sagarika, N., 2018. A review on health benefits and nutritional composition of pumpkin seeds. International journal of chemical studies, 6(3), pp.1154-1157.

6. Museum of food and culture

7. Project Gutenberg

THE ORIGIN OF MINT IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

In Greek mythology, the goddess Persephone suspected her husband Hades, god of the underworld, of having an affair with a nymph called Minthe. In a jealous rage, she transformed the lovely nymph into a perennial herb. Hades, unable to counteract his wife’s spell, bestowed Minthe with a sweet smell so that she would continue to delight those who came in contact with her.

Another version of the myth says that it was not Hades, but Pluto, the Roman god of wealth and the underworld, who had a crush on Minthe. It was Pluto’s wife, Proserpina who was jealous of Minthe and turned her into a plant. Pluto then gave Minthe the same gift of a pleasant aroma.

The transformation of Minthe into a herb serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy and the enduring nature of beauty.

This narrative is depicted in the painting titled “Menthe changed into a Mint Plant” by Johann Ulrich Krauss created in 1694 portraying Minthe’s transformation into a mint plant as a punishment for her involvement with Hades.

Minthe wird in Münzen Kraut verwandelt by J. U. Krauss (1694); Source: jstor.org

MINT: THE HERB OF FUN AND HOSPITALITY

The Romans and Greeks commonly crowned themselves with it and decorated tables with the herb at their parties.

The ancient Romans used mint as a scented adornment for their tables at their parties and even crowned themselves and their guests with garlands made of mint. They also used to spread mint on floors in their homes for freshness. These gave off a slight scent where they were scattered, and ‘when they were trampled on, a strong and pleasant aroma scented the place.

Pliny The Elder recorded that the Greeks and Romans made great use of mint, adding it to both bathwater and perfumes, while also using it in sauces and wines.

Although many types of aromatic plants served this purpose, mint was preferred over alternatives owing to its stronger effect.

Banquet at emperor Nero’s palace; Source: factsanddetails.com

MINT USED IN BABYLONIAN HEALING RITUALS

The oldest written records of mint herbs are attributed to King Hammurabi of ancient Babylon, who prescribed them for medicinal purposes, namely gastrointestinal.

In a list of Babylonian healing rituals, pharmaceutical components such as cress, mint, extract of cedar, and date palm, were used in conjunction with invocations. he Babylonian Talmud, which contains teachings on various subjects, including medical advice, also mentions these rituals.

The Hammurabi Code; Source: jstor.org

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS INVENTED WORLD’S FIRST BREATH MINT?

Ancient Egyptians had bad dental health because of their unbalanced diet and the use of stones to grind flour, which led sand to get into their food and wear down their teeth.

They didn’t have access to good dental care like we do now, leading to overall poor oral health. To combat bad breath from decaying teeth, they used a mixture of herbs and spices like frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon boiled together with honey to make pellets – similar to ancient mints but probably not as tasty as today’s mint.

Next time you reach for a mint, think about the ancient Egyptians who first came up with this clever solution for dental issues

Mint brand invented by Smith & Company in 1780s; Source: wikipedia

mint weaves itself into the fabric of early Christianity

In Slavic, Latin, and Teutonic languages, there’s a famous story about Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus. According to the tale, Mary fled with Baby Jesus from King Herod’s soldiers.

She met a peasant while seeking help. He advised them to hide behind a small mint plant which miraculously spread but couldn’t completely conceal them.↵Mary then asked the peasant to leave his plough on the ground. Suddenly, young wheat seedlings sprang up unexpectedly high.

When pursued by soldiers looking for her carrying a baby, he said she had passed by when he was sowing seeds. The pursuers believed it was too late to catch up with her and abandoned the chase

Mary feeding Jeses; Source: jstor.org

Mint and women’s health in Medieval times

In the Middle Ages, many women resorted to herbal remedies to end a pregnancy in its early stages. This knowledge was passed down from mothers, community herbalists, midwives, and local healers. To terminate an unwanted pregnancy, women tried cold footbaths, bloodletting, or consuming artemisia or mint tea.

John M Riddle, a well-known American historian and expert on medical history, has stated that people living in medieval times had a greater sense of control over their lives than we may have originally believed.

Source: Unknown, Wikimedia commons; public domain

MINT MISADVENTURES WITH MRS. CRUPP

In the book David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Ms. Crupp is the landlady of the place that David rents when he works in London. She drinks a lot and often takes David’s alcohol without permission. Mrs. Crupp suffered from a strange condition called ‘the spazzums’ that caused nose inflammation and required constant peppermint treatment.

Still from David Copperfield movie (1999); Source: imdb

THE PEPPERMINT STAMP OF DDR

The “Peppermint Stamp” from the German Democratic Republic is a unique postage stamp issued in East Germany in 1959. It features a vibrant design depicting peppermint leaves and flowers, symbolizing agricultural achievements during the DDR’s Five-Year Plan. The stamp reflects the government’s emphasis on economic goals and self-sufficiency in food production.

Today, it holds historical significance and represents DDR’s economic policies during the Cold War era.

DDR’s peppermint stamp; Source: Stampcommunity.org

POTENTIAL MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF MINT

In addition to its traditional culinary and home remedy uses, mint also possesses potential health benefits such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are attributed to the bioactive compounds found in essential oils of mint, with menthol being the primary constituent. The essential oil extracted from fresh or partially dried herbs is utilized for enhancing the flavor of confectionery items, chewing gums, liqueurs, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and pharmaceutical preparations.

Scientific research indicates that mint may offer advantages for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and related digestive issues by providing analgesic and respiratory effects. Furthermore, mint essential oil may aid in alleviating pain associated with menstrual cramps and muscle discomfort.

When used in conjunction with aromatherapy practices, mint oil has demonstrated positive impacts on mental health by promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and mood enhancement. Although employing essential oils for improving mental well-being follows a holistic approach, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional or aromatherapist first especially if you have existing medical conditions or take medication.

A 2023 experimental study revealed that mint oil can improve memory and may be beneficial in enhancing memory among individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, recent studies have also presented promising findings regarding the treatment of lung and breast cancer.

REFERENCES:

1.https://www.greekmythology.com/

2.https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/greek-mythology

3.https://www.gutenberg.org/

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7. Al-Tawarah NM, Al-dmour RH, Abu Hajleh MN, Khleifat KM, Alqaraleh M, Al-Saraireh YM, Jaradat AQ, Al-Dujaili EAS. Rosmarinus officinalis and Mentha piperita Oils Supplementation Enhances Memory in a Rat Model of Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease-like Condition. Nutrients. 2023; 15(6):1547. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061547

8. Murugesh, V., Shetty, D., Kurmi, A., Tirlotkar, S., Shetty, S., & Solanke, S. (2024). A comprehensive review of essential oils for depression management. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 13(2), 60-70.

9. Dolghi, A., Coricovac, D., Dinu, S., Pinzaru, I., Dehelean, C. A., Grosu, C., Chioran, D., Merghes, P. E., & Sarau, C. A. (2022). Chemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Mentha piperita L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils and In Vitro Potential Cytotoxic Effect in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(18), 6106. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186106

10. Hardinge, H., & Going, C. B. (1938). An Old-World Folk-Tale. Folklore, 49(3), 290–291. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1257471

11. Barbara Böck, “When You Perform the Ritual of ‘Rubbing’: On Medicine and Magic in Ancient Mesopotamia,” Journal of Near Eastern Studies 62 (2003): 7-8.

12. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs | Leafy Medicinal Herbs: Botany, Chemistry, Postharvest Technology and Uses

13. van de Walle, E. (1997). Flowers and Fruits: Two Thousand Years of Menstrual Regulation. The Journal of Interdisciplinary History, 28(2), 183–203. https://doi.org/10.2307/206401

14. https://artoftheroot.com/

15. Hardinge, H. (1938). An Old-World Folk-Tale. Folklore, 49(3), 290–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/0015587X.1938.9718771

THE ORIGIN OF ROSE IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Greek mythology is full of stories involving the rose, which is closely linked to the goddess of love and intimacy, Aphrodite. According to the legend, her love for the mortal Adonis was so strong that not even her home Olympus paled in comparison. However, their beautiful love story took a tragic turn when Ares, another one of Aphrodite’s lovers and the jealous god of war, intervened by transforming into a monstrous boar and killing Adonis. When Aphrodite rushed to his side upon hearing his cries, she pricked herself on a thorn and stained a white rose with her blood—creating the first crimson bloom as a symbol of undying love and heartache.

Source: Alice Pheles; deviantart.com

Desire’s Garden: The Romance of the Rose

The Romance of the Rose is a 13th-century French poem by Guillame de Lorris. It tells a captivating story about love and longing through the protagonist’s journey in a symbolic garden. Each encounter in the garden represents challenges faced in pursuing love, with a rose at its heart symbolizing his deepest desire. The protagonist’s quest to pluck this rose mirrors his pursuit of the lady who has captured his heart.

Source: Le roman de la rose (1390); Guillaume de Lorris & Jean de Meung; jstor.org

Medicinal Gardens of Medieval Monasteries

Benedictine monks in medieval monasteries cultivated roses, along with other herbs and plants. The monks grew the roses for their medicinal properties and used them to create tinctures and compounds for treating various ailments such as piles, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Their remedies were based on the knowledge from De Materia Medica, a work by Dioscorides, an ancient Greek physician from the 1st century.

Source: Travail des Mains (8 monks working in a monastery garden; jstor.org

THOUSAND-YEAR ROSES

The ancient rose bush, which dates back to 815 AD, continues to thrive at the Catholic cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany. Despite being located in a cathedral that was heavily damaged during WWII, this remarkable plant has withstood wars and natural disasters over the centuries. Today, it stands tall at a height of 10 meters.

Source: St.Mary’s Cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany; pixabay.com

THE TUDOR ROSE

The English and Welsh dynasties teamed up to create the House of Tudors that held the throne of England from 1485-1603. They used a red and white rose as their emblem, decorating things like buildings, furniture, flags, badges, and jewellery with this dual rose symbol.

Source: Tudor rose painting in the church of St. Leonard (16th century); jstor.org

Grim History Behind ‘Ring Around the Rosie’

This playground song about roses, still remains popular among children. However, this seemingly sweet rhyme carries undertones of a grim historical period. Despite its playful tone, it is often associated with the Great Plague in London, echoing the impact of the Black Death. The seemingly innocent lyrics convey a feeling of doom: “roses” symbolize deadly rashes, “posies” are thought to be preventive measures, and “a-tishoos” indicate sneezing related to the illness. The line about everyone falling down alludes to the grim outcome—death.

Source: internetarchive.org

Nur Jahan’s Rose-Coloured Reign in the Mughal Empire

When women were rarely in the public eye, Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jehangir, wielded significant power in the Mughal empire. She was a trailblazer as she wrote laws, set governmental policies, and even appeared on coinage during the Mughals’ rule in India. Additionally, she is renowned for creating rose oil and innovating methods to distill roses for Attar essential oil and flavouring Sherbet with rose essence.

Source: Portrait of Queen Nur Jahan; www.worldhistory.org

BLACK ROSES OF HALFETI

In 2000, Old Halfeti was submerged and its inhabitants moved to the new Halfeti village, about 10 kilometers away, along with their native roses. However, the roses struggled to adapt to their new surroundings. To prevent extinction, district officials intervened by collecting the seeds and planting them in greenhouses near their original location. This ensured their survival and saved them from disappearing. Initially blooming a deep wine colour, the roses gradually darken to black as summer progresses. The fame of these unique flowers has spread far and wide; they have inspired a Turkish TV show, a novel, and a perfume bearing their name.

Source: Black roses grown in Halfeti(2020); dailysabah.com

POTENTIAL MEDICINAL EFFECTS OF ROSES

Besides their beauty and fragrance, roses possess numerous health-promoting properties that extend far beyond their aesthetic appeal. There are around 100 to 150 varieties of roses, although most botanical experts think the actual number may be closer to 100.

Several studies have highlighted the nutritional benefits of roses, especially in terms of their nutrient content and chemical compounds that may promote good health. Roses contain certain essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and boron that may play a crucial role in maintaining nutritional balance and enhancing productivity. Additionally, certain aromatic acids found in rose fruits and nuts, have been associated with protective effects against illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, they exhibit anti-aging properties by scavenging free radicals and shielding the body against oxidative damage.

Over time, the rose continues to evolve. Horticulturists today crossbreed and hybridise this plant to produce a variety of colours, shapes, and fragrances.

Source: Hegde et al., 2022

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/The_Myths/Adonis_and_Aphrodite/adonis_and_aphrodite.html
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8. Hermida, J., Toro, M., Guzmán, M., & Cabrera, R. (2013). Determining nutrient diagnostic norms for greenhouse roses. Hortscience, 48(11), 1403-1410. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.48.11.1403
9. Damania, A.B. (2010) ‘The Mystical History of the Rose – The Queen of Flowers’, Asian Agri-History, 14(4), pp. 303–318. Available at: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=cef3c341-1736-3298-8039-4e8d6bd19501 (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
10. Hegde, A.S., Gupta, S., Sharma, S., Srivatsan, V. and Kumari, P., 2022. Edible rose flowers: A doorway to gastronomic and nutraceutical research. Food Research International, 162, p.111977.
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