Food provides energy to our entire body. By sharing bread with others, we create and strengthen relationships with each other, and certain diets can help cure various ailments. Modern shopping centers are filled with a variety of products. It would never occur to us that everyday products can have an incredible history and origin.
But thousands of years ago, people believed that the most common products for us have magical powers. They were a cult of worship and a source of magical power. Some products were used to treat various physical and psychological ailments, while others could resurrect loved ones from the dead, protect them from all evil, and much more.
1
Cucumbers
The most common variety of this refreshing vegetable today is considered an English cucumber. But his true homeland is India. Cucumbers have been grown for over 3,000 years.
In the empire of the Romans, a rather unusual use of cucumbers is known. According to Pliny the Elder, women used these vegetables to increase fertility. Cucumbers should be worn around the waist, which were removed after the baby was born.
Cucumbers were used to treat poor eyesight, and the vegetable also helped with scorpion bites and was even used to scare away mice.
2
Amaranth
Amaranth is a very useful plant with healing properties. Although we do not eat this product so often, it often becomes part of the diet or decorating photos of dishes on Instagram.
But more than five centuries ago, the civilization of the ancient Aztecs believed that amaranth has supernatural power. The plant was not only the main element of their diet, but played a crucial role in religious life.
Mixing amaranth grains with honey or even human blood, the Aztecs received a paste, from which they then sculpted the statues of their deities. During the rituals of worship, such statues were divided into parts and given to all members of the tribe for consumption. It is believed that toy bow and arrows and even shields were made from such paste, which were passed on to newborn boys as a sign of their future male responsibilities.
After the invasion of the Spanish colonizers in 1519, the cultivation of this plant was banned along with the Aztec culture. In this way, the Christian world was established, and all the rebels were severely punished.
3
Artichokes
Since ancient times, artichokes have been attributed to medicinal products. Mention of the incredible abilities of artichokes can be found in Greek mythology.
The myth says that during the visit of Zeus to his brother Poseidon, he met the beautiful mortal maiden Kinara, whom he took to Olympus. Zeus made her a goddess, but once, when she tried to slip home to her mother, he got angry and overthrew Kinara from Olympus, turning him into an artichoke.
According to the Romans, artichokes could help get rid of baldness, as well as conceive a boy.
It was also believed that artichokes are the strongest aphrodisiac. This rumor became widespread after the Queen of France Catherine de Medici began to use them in huge numbers. In those days, the use of artichokes by women was banned for their stimulating abilities.
4
Onion
This product, usual for us, has an unusual history. For the ancient Egyptians, this was an object of worship. Images of onions in various forms and angles can be traced throughout Egyptian art. He is in scenes with pyramids and against the background of the altars of Egyptian gods.
Layers of onions for the Egyptians were a symbol of the cycles of eternal life. He was put in the tombs of the pharaohs. Traces of onions were also found inside the mummies.
Why did the Egyptians revered the bow so much, especially in connection with the theme of death? Historians agree that the bulb for the Egyptians was able to return the deceased to life. The Egyptians also appreciated it for its antiseptic properties, which could help the deceased in the afterlife.
5
Bow of speed
There is more to these small stems than just the scent for chips. Once upon a time, people revered chives (bow of speed) for its magical properties.
We know that the homeland is a beautiful plant in Europe and North America. Onions were also found in some areas of Asia. There are several versions of the appearance of this type of onion in Europe, and what magical properties gave it.
One version says that onion was soon brought to Europe by the traveler Marco Polo from China back in the 13th century. It is believed that it was from the British that the tradition went to hang a bow above a door in order to drive away evil spirits.
According to the second version, the Europeans knew about the existence of this onion even before it was brought in by travelers. The diet of the ancient Romans necessarily included Rezan, which was considered a source of strength. Onions fed racehorses, and wrestlers, athletes and just workers ate it to increase their strength. For healing purposes, the Romans used onions to treat sore throats and sunburn.
6
The apples
The saying goes: "An apple a day, and a doctor is not needed." For centuries, people have believed in the healing properties of apples, in their ability to improve health and cure many diseases. Apples are mentioned in several cultures. In Greek mythology, apples are a symbol of health, strength and power. Apples in the folklore of the peoples of Ireland gave the heroes strength and youth. The Chinese presented them as a sign of peace and friendship.
The Balkan peoples call the apple a symbol of love. According to their customs, if a girl takes an apple from a man, it means their engagement.
7
Corn
Nowadays, corn is used everywhere. We love to crunch her while watching a movie, use it in salads or just eat boiled. But the Aztecs did not treat corn simply as a food source. They divided life into three cycles: birth, growth and death, which were closely associated with the process of growth and harvesting. Each cycle had its own goddess of corn. They were revered and bestowed in every way for a better harvest.
Xylonen was the first goddess of the first summer crop and was especially revered by the Aztecs. Of the young slaves, one was chosen, which became the personification of Xylonen. People danced and had fun, preparing various dishes from corn. On the night before the holiday, a slave was sacrificed in order to pay tribute to Mother Earth and increase the harvest.
8
Dill
This is a usual spice for us, which we can easily pick in our garden. But before becoming an odorous seasoning, people believed in its ability to bring happiness and love. In German and Belgian folklore, dill branches are mentioned, which were hung on the bride's dress to bless the marriage of the newlyweds.
We saw dill and the negative side. European monks attributed to him the ability to cause infertility and deprive a woman of relationships with men.
9
Figs
Figs are initially closely associated with religion, it is enough to recall the biblical stories. However, there is a magical use of this fruit. Women of the African Kikuito tribe rubbed their body with fig juice. It was believed that this would increase fertility.
But not everything is so rosy around figs. In Bolivia, they believed that evil spirits lurk under the crowns of fig trees, and a walk under them threatens with diseases. In Papua New Guinea, figs are considered the guardian of evil demons. They were convinced that if this fruit was opened, then the demons living in it would break free.
10
Poppy seeds
We all love pastries with poppy seeds. We also know that poppy is associated with the production of opium. But poppy seeds have their own ancient history, which appeared long before our ideas about this product. In ancient Greece, poppy was the personification of the sleep god Hypnos. The Greeks believed that he helps to fall asleep. The dream with the help of poppy seeds was prophetic and brought healing to spiritual wounds.
In the Middle Ages, poppy cake helped young girls determine the side from where her true love would come. The girl threw a piece of poppy cake outside the door and sent the pet dog for him. From which side the dog will return, from that side you need to wait for your real lover.
You can trace the relationship of poppy seeds with fertility and, conversely, with infertility. For example, the seeds sprinkled in the bride’s shoes deprived her of the joy of motherhood. And if on New Year's Eve to eat piquant meat with poppy seeds, then the whole next year will be in abundance.
Do not forget about the beautiful poppy flower, which since ancient times wins the hearts of many people. You can look at the most beautiful types of poppy in our article on most-beauty.ru, where you can also download desktop wallpapers with this beautiful flower.
Finally
While preparing dinner with different products, we don’t think that once they could mean more to people than just food. Although much of this is just a prejudice, many signs of food have been going on since then. Food can lift us up, give us energy and even cure the disease. Sometimes it's worth thinking about other meanings of food for us. It’s not for nothing they say: “We are what we eat.”