Nowadays for predict the weather we rely on meteorology, in ancient times the farmers of the Bel Paese relied on persimmons. That’s right, and to be precise persimmon seedsthe famous fruit with its characteristic orange colour, which ripens between October and December.
The traditional method that allowed us to predict the type of winter coming, handed down for centuries, was based on reading the seed located in the pulp. It is precisely here that three different forms can be recognized, the fork, knife or spoonafter the seed has been split in half lengthwise.
Hello orthosophists! This year too, we give you a tip to find out what winter will be like, using persimmon seeds. Although it is not a scientific method at all, it has always worked for us
Posted by Il Calendario dell’Orto on Thursday, October 22, 2020
Each shape, usually white in colour, hides a precise symbolism that allows predictions to be made:
Farmers of the past often used this method to adequately prepare for winter and today some continue to practice it out of curiosity, although there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate its validity.
If you want to test it, proceed like this:
The origins of the tradition
The practice of predicting winter through persimmon seeds has its roots in ancient peasant beliefs. The persimmon, a fruit native to China, was introduced into Europe only in the 19th century, but its cultivation and use as a “weather forecaster” quickly spread in our country, where the temperate climate favored the luxuriant growth of this tree. Italian farmers, who lived in close contact with the land, developed empirical systems to try to understand what to expect from future seasons, based on the signals that nature offered them.
This tradition may have been influenced by similar practices related to other fruits or plants that past peoples used to try to interpret climate signals. In many ancient cultures, the observation of plants and their seeds was an integral part of a life cycle in which each natural element had its own symbolism. Persimmons, with their seeds hidden inside a dense and colorful pulp, offered a perfect natural “oracle”, becoming a symbol of fertility and abundance, as well as seasonal change.
A family ritual
In some regions of Italy, this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a sort of family ritual to be carried out every autumn. Often, this moment also represented an opportunity for peasant families to gather and prepare together for the arrival of winter. The children watched in wonder as their grandparents carefully cut the seeds, anxiously awaiting the natural response. Even though today weather forecasts are much more precise, many continue to keep this tradition alive to feel connected to the past and to a time when the relationship with the land was fundamental.
The tradition that resists
Although today science has made enormous progress in predicting the weather, this ancient persimmon method remains a curiosity that still fascinates many people, especially in rural areas of Italy. It is a custom that, in addition to offering a connection with the beliefs of our ancestors, pays homage to the close connection between man and nature, once the only true “guide” to prepare for seasonal challenges.
In recent years, the custom of predicting winter with persimmon seeds has also found a new life on social media. In autumn, it is not uncommon to find posts and videos showing people cutting persimmon seeds to reveal the mysterious shapes hidden inside. This popular phenomenon has also aroused curiosity among the new generations, who enjoy repeating this ancient ritual, often with the aim of sharing forecasts for the upcoming winter on social media.
The importance of persimmon biodiversity
In addition to the meteorological legend, it is worth remembering that the persimmon, also known as the “oriental apple”, is a fruit rich in beneficial and sustainable properties. Native to China, this hardy tree requires no special chemical treatments, making it a perfect choice for those looking to grow eco-friendly. Its fruits, rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, are a precious autumn resource, appreciated not only for their sweetness, but also for their contribution to the biodiversity of the Italian countryside.
So what? What winter will it be?
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