Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Parenting, TikTok, Sex and Relationships, Food and Drink
Stefania Sarrubba
Topics: Parenting, TikTok, Sex and Relationships, Food and Drink
People are discovering the emotional meaning behind the so-called ‘pomegranate theory’ that’s been gaining momentum on social media.
TikTok is rife with videos of users sharing their own views about said theory and how it can be applied to most relationships in your life.
Before you’ve heard of the pomegranate theory, you might have been familiar with ‘orange peel theory’, a similar act of care that can be linked to one’s affection in a relationship.
According to these two fruit-based theories, if someone takes the time to peel an orange or a pomegranate for you, it means they really care about you and your well-being.
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Given that pomegranates are pretty tricky and time-consuming to peel and eat, it’s understandable why they’ve become a symbol of someone’s unwavering love for another.
Since the theory has become popular on social platforms, some users have been sharing their own experiences in connection to the fruit.
One parent shared their own pomegranate anecdote, admitting to missing their ten-year-old kid now they’re back in school after they peeled the fruit together and shared an unexpected moment of bonding.
Philadelphia-based photographer Shannon Collins recently learned of the pomegranate theory by ‘scrolling on TikTok’.
Collins explained they were moved by their kid when they asked to wear the pomegranate juice-stained sweatshirt to school.
Despite looking forward to the ‘back of school’ period, Collins admitted missing their kid after they peeled the pomegranate together and prompted others to share their stories.
After learning of the theory, one social media user said they were 'sobbing'.
Another added: "My grandmother always peeled pomegranates for me. Now she is too old for doing that, so if she wants one, I will peel that pomegranate for her. For me, that fruit is our symbol."
While a third wrote: "We always have peeled pomegranates and oranges in the fridge, my mother truly is a blessing."
Another theory centring on pomegranates views the fruit’s many seeds as the multiple, small acts of love that can make up a strong relationship.
While there isn’t an explanation as to why the pomegranate has now risen as an apparent symbol of love, there is a faint connection between the tart fruit and the idea of a lifelong commitment in Greek mythology - though not exactly consensual.
According to the myth of Persephone on the origin of the four seasons, the vegetation goddess was abducted and whisked to the Underworld by Hades.
Upon receiving the order from her father Zeus to return his daughter, Hades tricked her into consuming a pomegranate. As she had eaten food from the Underworld, she would then be forced to spend a portion of each year there.
Hades would go on to marry Persephone and make her the Queen of the Underworld, and her alternate sojourn in the Underworld and Earth would give way to the cycle of seasons.