Pomona was a popular minor Roman goddess often known as the goddess of apples. Her day is celebrated on August 13th.
Pomona cares for and watches over fruit orchards.
She has no Greek equivalent although is referred to as a wood nymph a Greek term. More accurately she would have been a Roman sprite or numen.
She is typically portrayed with a cornucopia or large tray filled with fruit. She carries a pruning knife.
Pomona’s Connection With Halloween
While traditionally she is celebrated at the beginning of the fruit season there is some evidence it was celebrated in the fall as well. Speculation is that it celebrated the length of the apple harvest.
November 1st was celebrated by Ancient Romans as a day to honor her and give thanks for the fruit harvest. The holiday custom of bobbing for apples is named for her.
Celts also celebrated this day to honor the sun god and be thankful.
As Europe came under Christian oppression they changed the holiday to the Feast of All Saints to honor the Christian Saints (gods)
Who Is Vertumnus?
Vertumnus is the god of seasons and change. He is Pomona’s husband and was also celebrated in August around the 23rd.
However, according to Ovid in his famous poem Metamorphoses, Vertumnus had to trick Pomona into marrying him. Pomona had rebuffed all previous suiters and was devoted only to her orchards.
Pomona was a young beautiful virginal wood nymph who caught Vertumnus’s attention. He changed himself into many forms to try to woe her. Finally, he disguised himself to look like an old woman and sought out Pomona to give her advice on why she should marry.
She married him and they had many children. It is said that apples are prolific because of their lustful relationship.
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Vertumnus and Pomona (c. 1618) by Peter Paul Rubens. Notice here how she carries a sycle, a grain implement, instead of a knife.
Ways To Celebrate
Plant an apple tree. You can learn more about growing apples here
Wands made of apple wood are known to be powerful for protection and enchantment
Use fruits and nuts in your spells
Cut an apple in half and bury it to settle an argument
Apples were sometimes thrown to scare away evil spirits
Bake an apple pie
National Apple Day in the US and UK is October 21st. Eat apples and honor Pomona that day.
In Italy Pomaria, The Apple Festival – Val di Non takes place on October 8-9
Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series has the first name, Pomona.
Invocation to Pomona By Shirley Two Feathers
“Lady of the Apple Tree, Whose red-cheeked visage greets the dawn,
Lady of the Pear Tree, Whose sweetness salves the questing tongue, Lady of the Peach Tree, Whose blush transforms the morning sky,
Lady of the Plum Tree, Whose scent entices, smooth and smiling, Lady of the Cherry Tree, Whose scarlet lips are drenched in raindrops.
Lady of the blossoming branch, Who entices bees to dance with you,
Lady of the secret orchard where Vertumnus gained his entry, Where he came in secret, clothed in inVestments of the ancient Crone, God of growth, god of seasons, God of turning, he took you there
As you offered up your nectar and all the trees above you burst their buds. Lady of the ancient ones, the Trees Who give forth their children one by one that we may know not just mere survival but sweetness as well, help us to remember the beauty and abundance of your gifts.”
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Author, Ame Vanorio, is a lifelong pagan, an environmental educator, and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Pomona was a popular minor Roman goddess often known as the goddess of apples. Her day is celebrated on August 13th.