“Noor” in Armenian means pomegranate and serves as a symbol for Armenia. Recently, I was asked why “noor” is symbolic of Armenia. Not knowing the answer to the question made me realize that maybe it’s time I educate myself as well as others. After all, I am Armenian. As I stumbled upon a few sites on my quest to find an answer, I realized that the explanation isn’t long and complex, rather it is simple and distinct: “pomegranate symbolizes fertility and abundance”. It is a staple in Armenian households and is seen infinite amount of times in Armenian books, film, history, and mythology. Although I expected that there would be a longer reasoning as to why noor is the national fruit of Armenia, I guess a simpler one would have to do.
Noor is not only the symbol of Armenia, but it is also the symbol of many other cultures as well. For instance, Judaism teaches that pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness due to the fact that it has 613 seeds which coincides with the 613 commandments in the Torah. Hence the reason as to why most eat noor on “Rash Hashanah”. In ancient Rome, noor was used to symbolize richness and fertility. Furthermore, Renaissance painters began to use noor in their paintings that included baby Jesus. The fruit was used as a symbol of a new life in humanity. Moreover, noor is also mentioned in the Qur’an and is referred to as an example of good things that are created by God.
“Madonna of the Pomegranate” by Sandro Botticelli
Aside from being a symbol for more cultures than one, noor has proven to be an important staple in a person’s diet as it serves an important role nutritionally. They contain:
- Antioxidants: help neutralize free radicals while preventing cell damage
- Rich in Potassium: electrolytes that help keep your body in balance and essential for muscular activity
- Vitamin C: helps support immune and nervous systems; it also doubles as an antioxidant and helps absorb
Have some noor and enjoy your day!
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