Women, Weird and Wonderful: Pomona, the Apple Goddess

The candy apple, (“pomme d’amour” or “love apple” in French) reminds us of Pomona, the Roman goddess of apples. She was a dedicated gardener, and not interested in the world outside her gate, let alone in love. She looked like a fresh and shiny apple herself, with a healthy blush from working outside, which the fertility god Vertumnus found irresistible. As a god of seasons, he was a master in changing his appearance, and he tried every disguise, from farmer over winemaker to fisherman, but he got nowhere. Until he entered her garden in the guise of an old woman, and pointed out the vine, winding itself around a tree. “It can only grow and produce grapes when it’s safe and supported, you see? So why not take a husband who will support you in whatever you wish to undertake?” And with a touch of magic, there he stood before her. Now, Pomona was a practical girl, and she saw the benefits of joining forces. So, she said yes. They built their paradise garden together and every year, they harvested a thousand little apples.