Tuesday 1 November 2011

A Wedding Proposal - Ancient Greek Style

In ancient Greece the apple was sacred to the godess Aphrodite and symbolised passion. So, if a man wanted to propose to a woman he would throw an apple to her. If she caught the apple she was considered to have accepted the proposal. 

I throw the apple at you, and if you are willing to love me, take it and share your girlhood with me; but if your thoughts are what I pray they are not, even then take it, and consider how short-lived is beauty. - Plato, Epigram VII

The fruit were also expensive and therefore considered something special to give to a loved one. A couple would eat apples on their wedding night - not only a treat but because apples were associated with love.

Later, in Byzantine times, if a prince or emperor wanted to get married, the prospective brides were gathered together, and he would give a golden apple to the bride he chose.

Watch it guys - think carefully before you throw an apple!

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