The spring of life, the purity and charm of youth since ancient times have been reflected in the legends and myths of different peoples. What does the symbol of youth look like? With what fruits, plants, stones and colors did artists and poets identify the time of the dawn of human life? Let's try to find a bit of mystical meaning in things familiar to us…
Symbol of youth: fruit
One of the most famous symbols of youth and immortality is undoubtedly the peach. The ripe fruit of this plant symbolizes the process of continuous renewal of life. Delicate peach blossoms are associated 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 gives eternal life. In the garden of Xi-wang-mu, the goddess of immortality, the peach tree blossomed only once every three thousand years, and for the next three thousand years, the magic fruit ripened on it.
In Japan, the peach treerepresents 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 from its wood and bones.
In Egypt, the fruit of the peach was considered a symbol of the baby Horus, a god who was revered as the personification of the rising sun. In Christianity, this fruit was associated with salvation and virtue, and in the Renaissance it symbolized sincerity and truthfulness.
What does youth symbolize: an apple or a peach
Let's break down further. The question often arises as to which fruit is a symbol of youth: an apple or a peach? It is generally accepted that it is the latter. As for the apple, its symbolic meanings are somewhat different. First of all, it 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", as well as the "apple of discord" - the main subject of dispute and competition.
However, do not forget that in ancient Greek myths, it was the apples of the Hesperides, stolen by Hercules, that promised eternal youth to those who tasted them. The Scandinavian god Loki was also "famous" for stealing rejuvenating apples. The ability of this fruit to preserve and restore youth is described in many Russian fairy tales.
Symbol of Youth: Stone
What does the symbol of youth look like in gemology - the science of precious stones? It is believed that the emerald is endowed with such a value.
As a symbol of eternalyouth, this bright green stone has been revered since 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 was endowed with properties to ward off bad dreams, able to strengthen the heart and spirit, helps to overcome epilepsy. Currently, psychologists associate the color of this stone with creative impulses, the desire for stability and constancy. In the fashion world, emerald jewelry is almost always relevant and appropriate, remaining also a symbol of luxury and we alth.
Symbol of youth: color
In the light of the meaning that myths give to the emerald, it is not difficult to guess what the symbol of youth looks like in color. Green - the color of spring grass, foliage on trees, resurgent nature and all living things in general - is considered by different peoples to be a symbol of youth, freshness, harmony and hope.
Green is considered the key color in the Islamic religion. Many believe that this color has a calming and pacifying effect on a person, gives him vigor and strength, relieves fatigue and charges with positive energy.
On the other hand, along with the positive aspects of youth, green can also be associated with immaturity, lack of experience or imperfection (just remember the common sayings "young-green" or "green youth"). "Green" is also melancholy, and a person can sometimes "turn green" from anger or envy - undoubtedly, this color is also capable of depressing and sad impressionproduce. In medieval European countries, the jester's traditional attire was often a yellow-green suit, and bankrupts 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 - cherry blossoms, blooming for a little more than a week, serves as an allegory for many truths.
The ritual of admiring the flowers of this tree has been a favorite pastime of the Japanese for many centuries. The tender and quivering beauty of pinkish petals fluttering in the wind embodies both the freshness of youth and the transience of life.
Pink lily, its gentle 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. The holiday dedicated to mothers is also called Lily Day in China. 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 heart, 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 GodSun, Ra. In the Scandinavian-Germanic tradition, there was a belief that this is one of the nine sacred plants once given to people by the god Odin. Chamomile appeared in Europe 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 a young man to his beloved today - sometimes these flowers can say much more about tender feelings than the most exquisite and exotic plants.
