Plants are an essential part of our diet, and the ability to cultivate them for sustenanceplayed a crucial role in the development of early civilizations. It was agriculture that transformed humans from nomadic♦ huntergatherers into beings that established permanent settlements. Is it any wonder, then, that through the ages, numerous mythsand legends about plants have sprung up? This article takes a cursorylook into some of the most interesting ones.
Bamboo
Bamboo is found mainly in Asian countries with a tropical climate, and its strength has led the Chinese to associate the plant with longevityand prosperity. In China and many other countries, it is also considered a symbol of good luck. The Japanese believe it can ward off evil, and it is used in various festivals. An intriguing bit of mythology surrounding bamboo in Japan is the ancient tale of Princess Kaguya. According to the legend, she was discovered as a baby inside a stalkof bamboo. The old couple who raise her watch her grow into a beautiful woman with many suitors. Although many ask her to marry them, she refuses. One full moon evening, she returns to the moon, the place she was originally from.
Beans
For those who enjoy beans, it may come as a surprise that some cultures have linked the legumes♦ to misfortune, evil spirits, and mortality. The ancient Romans and Egyptians held strong, negative superstitions against fava beans, treating them as symbols of death. __________, though. Native tribes across America revered them.
Cereal Grains
In Western cultures, both the Romans and Greeks worshiped agricultural deities, with Ceres (Roman) and Demeter (Greek) being the main ones. Meanwhile, in Asia, numerous mythologies have centered on rice. Moreover, rice plays a symbolic role in religions throughout China, India, Thailand, and other nations.
