Why is there such a deep-rooted symbolism between fruit and sex? There are a few answers to this- the obvious, but also many mythological and religious backgrounds to this symbolismn. The obvious answer would be the visual similarities between genitals and some fruits, such as a banana, peach, cherries, melons, etc.

The intricacies of symbolism in ancient cultures have carried through time leaving many in use to this day- even if we don’t know why we associate them with each other. Pomegranates stand out prominently, in Greek mythology it’s controversially linked to Persephone, who is fed seeds by Hades to bind her to the underworld with him. These ‘seeds’ were in fact semen! So now, pomegranates symbolize a loss of innocence and an emblem of sexual awakening. Similarly, the apple in the Garden of Eden story represents the allure of forbidden knowledge and the consequences of yielding to temptation.​

 

The fig fruit, when split open, can resemble the vulva. Its soft, pinkish interior and the shape of the fruit itself often evoke comparisons to female genitalia. Figs are an ancient symbol of fertility and reproduction. In many cultures, the fruit represents abundance and the nurturing aspects of femininity. The fig tree's ability to produce numerous seeds further reinforce the symbolism. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, figs were sacred to certain deities associated with fertility, sexuality, and motherhood. For example, figs were sacred to Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest and fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig tree was associated with the founding of the city and the nurturing of Romulus and Remus by the she-wolf, symbolising maternal care. An extract in D.H Lawrences ‘women in love’ uses the fig to convey a deep, primal sensuality. Ursula Brangwen being offered a fig becomes a scene full of sensual temptation and charge. The fig, with its soft flesh and plentiful seeds, becomes a symbol of fertility and passion.

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In cinema and photography, fruit often serves as a substitute for human genitals. The curves of a ripe peach, the redness of a pomegranate, the juice of an orange, or the suggestive shape of a banana evoke an intimate connection despite the inanimate nature of the object. This metaphoric choice taps into natural allure and fertility, drawing a parallel between the fruit's life-giving essence and the human equivalent, procreation. Through the language of fruit, these artists show a world where desire and sensuality are celebrated with elegance and subtlety, an expression of human passion and vulnerability.

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