The spring of life, the purity and charm of youth from ancient times were reflected in the legends and myths of different nations. What does the symbol of youth look like? What fruits, plants, stones, and paints did artists and poets identify at the dawn of human life? Let's try to find a fraction of the mystical meaning in things that are familiar to us ...
Symbol of Youth: Fruit
One of the most famous symbols of youth and immortality is, without a doubt, peach. The ripe fruit of this plant symbolizes the process of continuous renewal of life. Delicate flowers of a peach tree are correlated with spring, purity, feminine charm, as well as softness and peacefulness.
In the homeland of this plant - in China - the fabulous peach "xian-tao" was considered a fruit that bestows eternal life. In the garden of Si-wan-mu, the goddess of immortality, a peach tree blossomed only once every three thousand years, and over the next three thousand years a magic fruit ripened on it.
In Japan, a peach tree represents the Tree of Life. In the cultures of many eastern peoples, peach was also endowed with magical properties, since it was believed that evil forces were afraid of this plant. Protective talismans and amulets were made of its wood and stones.
In Egypt, the fruit of the peach was considered a symbol of the baby-Horus - God, revered by the personification of the rising sun. In Christianity, this fruit correlated with salvation and virtue, and in the Renaissance symbolized sincerity and truthfulness.
What symbolizes youth: an apple or a peach
We break further. Often the question arises as to what kind of fruit is a symbol of youth: an apple or a peach? It is believed that it is the latter. As for the apple, its symbolic meanings are somewhat different. First of all, he is identified with the fullness of life and the joy of love between a man and a woman. It is also known as the "forbidden fruit", and also as the "apple of discord" - the main subject of controversy and competition.
However, do not forget that in ancient Greek myths it was the Hesperides apples that were abducted by Heracles that promised to taste their eternal youth. The Scandinavian god Loki was also "famous" for stolen juvenile apples. The ability of this fetus to preserve and restore youth is described in many Russian fairy tales.
Glyph of Youth: Stone
What does the symbol of youth look like in gemology - the science of precious stones? It is believed that this value is endowed with an emerald.
As a symbol of eternal youth, this bright green stone has been revered since the days of Ancient Egypt. The Greeks also endowed him with healing qualities, and in the Arab world he acts as an exceptionally strong magical talisman.
The ancients believed that this stone is endowed with the properties of driving away bad dreams, is able to strengthen the heart and spirit, helps to overcome epilepsy. Currently, psychologists associate the color of this stone with creative impulses, a desire for stability and constancy. In the fashion world, emerald jewelry is almost always relevant and appropriate, remaining also a symbol of luxury and wealth.
Symbol of youth: color
In the light of the significance that myths give to the emerald, it is easy to guess what the symbol of youth looks like in color. Green - the color of spring grass, foliage on trees, reviving nature and in general all living things - it is customary to consider among different peoples a symbol of youth, freshness, harmony and hope.
Green is considered the key in the Islamic religion. Many people believe that this color has a calming and calming effect on a person, gives him vivacity and strength, relieves fatigue and charges with positive energy.
On the other hand, along with the positive aspects of youth, the green color can also be associated with immaturity, lack of experience or imperfection (just remember the common sayings “young-green” or “green youth”). “Green” can also be longing, and a person can sometimes “turn green” from anger or envy - undoubtedly, this color can also produce a depressing and sad impression. In medieval European countries, the yellow-green suit was often the traditional jester's outfit, and bankrupt people in Germany were supposed to wear green hats.
Symbol of Youth: Plant
Everyone knows what the symbol of youth looks like in Japan. The national symbol of this country - sakura, blooming a little over a week, serves as an allegory for many truths.
The ritual of admiring the flowers of this tree is a favorite pastime of the Japanese for many centuries. The gentle and trembling beauty of the pinkish petals fluttering in the wind, embodies at the same time the freshness of youth and the fleetingness of life.
Pink lily, its delicate and delicate aroma also symbolizes youth, purity, joy and a bit of coquetry. At all times, lily flowers were considered an example of exquisite taste. The name of the city "Susa" - the ancient Persian capital - means nothing more than "City of Lilies." In medieval France, this flower was considered a symbol of kings, and in Spain and Italy it was associated with the image of the Virgin Mary. A holiday dedicated to mothers in China is also called Lily Day. In both Christian and pagan traditions, this flower is identified with prosperity and peace.
The symbol of youth, the photo of which is placed below, is familiar to everyone. A snow-white daisy with a bright yellow core, similar to a small sun, is also identified with purity, innocence, youth and love.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, chamomile was considered a flower dedicated to the sun god, Ra. In the Scandinavian-German tradition, there was a belief that this is one of the nine sacred plants that were once presented to people by the god Odin. In Europe, chamomile appeared at the end of the nineteenth century, and in Russia even later, but today it has become a real symbol of this country. A bouquet of daisies is still considered a very touching gift from the young man of his beloved - sometimes these flowers are able to say much more about tender feelings than the most refined and exotic plants.