Apple Gifting Day

A History of Apples as Gifts

The practice of gifting apples as a token of appreciation or goodwill extends far back in time. In ancient Greece and Rome, the custom of exchanging fruits, including apples, marked the beginning of a new year. This tradition, along with the Celtic custom of presenting mistletoe, nuts, and sacred branches, spread across Europe under the influence of these powerful empires.

Until the 17th century, the term "apple" was a catch-all for most fruits, excluding berries. Giving apples as gifts was a symbol of wealth, and the fruit itself became associated with love, knowledge, abundance, beauty, and health. While small gifts were exchanged between family and friends on New Year's Day, apples were particularly prized and valuable presents.

As Europeans embarked on explorations and colonization, they carried the tradition of New Year's gift-giving with them. This custom took root in the United States, where it became a cultural norm. Interestingly, early American teachers often received apples as payment for their services. Even after monetary compensation became standard, the gesture of gifting apples to teachers persisted as a symbol of gratitude.

Today, while the practice of giving apples to teachers has largely faded into history, it remains a charming and symbolic gesture. Timeline

• Ancient Greece: Apples linked to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.
• Norse Mythology: Apples connected to Dunn and the concept of eternal youth.
• Biblical references: The apple as a symbol of temptation and knowledge.
• Medieval Europe: Apple orchards become common, and apples are used in medicine and cooking.
• Modern times: Apples become a global commodity, appreciated for their taste, health benefits, and versatility.
• Apple Gifting Day: A recent concept to promote apple sharing and appreciation.