What does a pumpkin symbolize in a bouquet? Magic vessel - pumpkin

Pumpkin General characteristics of the crop Pumpkin is an annual creeping plant. Its root system is well developed and goes deep into the ground. The stem is curly, with hard pubescence, and has long tendrils. Pumpkin leaves are large and five-lobed. Flowers bright yellow

Pumpkin Pumpkin serves as a dietary food for everyone, but it is especially useful for children; baby food with pumpkin pulp is specially prepared for them. Pumpkin seeds are also useful; they expel tapeworms from the body. Pumpkin that contains orange and

In our minds, pumpkin is inextricably linked with autumn; it’s not for nothing that this berry (and pumpkin, like watermelon, is a giant berry) is so popular in European public catering. Those who have been to the Old World in the fall know that at this time cafes and restaurants literally compete to see who can prepare the most pumpkin dishes and who will make them tastier.

However, cooking is not the only vocation of the pumpkin; from time immemorial, it has been used to refuse unloved suitors, celebrate All Saints' Day with it, and even make it a character in fairy tales - in Charles Perrault's "Cinderella" it was the pumpkin that turned into a carriage for the main character. What is the reason for its popularity?

It tastes...

Pumpkin is distinguished by its rich taste, due to the beneficial substances it contains - carotene, fiber, vitamins C, E, PP and T and group B, salts of phosphoric acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Pumpkin dishes are especially useful for those who suffer from hypertension, obesity and slow metabolism.

...and color

Pumpkin is an excellent sedative, a natural antidepressant that saves not only from painful mental conditions, but also from the blues and bad mood. And besides its taste, there is one more explanation: its bright orange color will please even the most notorious pessimist. Our ancestors, the ancient Slavs, believed that pumpkin helped to establish a healthy moral climate in the house: in a family where people often quarreled, they prepared dishes from this vegetable, and the person who came to sort things out was given pumpkin juice to drink or a soup made from it to taste or porridge, and the matter, to everyone’s satisfaction, ended peacefully.

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Symbol of abundance and prosperity

Since the times when, after the harvest, pumpkins were brought in in huge quantities - or, due to their enormous size, rolled up! - in cellars and sheds, and what did not fit was stored in the house; the pumpkin is a symbol of prosperity and well-being. The hostess, looking at the abundance around her, understood that in winter the family would definitely not face a shortage of food, and sighed with relief.

Nowadays, pumpkins can be bought in stores until spring, so there is no need to buy them for future use and store them in your apartment. But a small decoration in the form of a pumpkin - porcelain, glass, knitted, made from papier-mâché or sewn from patchwork patchwork - can be placed in the house in the place of honor - it will attract prosperity into your life.

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From the gate - turn

The special role of the pumpkin, associated with matchmaking, is related to Ukraine - it was here that it has long been customary to solemnly present it to an unwanted groom. According to the famous ethnographer Lydia Artyukh, this role of the berry is due to its commonness and ordinariness: firstly, an unloved person was put in his place with such an unhonorable gift, and secondly, it was not a pity to give it away - there was always a lot of such goodness in the household.

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Halloween symbol - Jack-flashlight

It is the pumpkin that is the symbol of the holiday, which, despite its foreign roots, has taken root on our land - more and more people on the night of October 31 to November 1 celebrate what is called All Saints' Day or Halloween. The appearance of its main symbol - the Jack-O-lantern (a pumpkin with cut out “eyes”, “nose” and “mouth” and a candle inserted inside, which looks very impressive and ominous in the dark), we owe to an ancient legend. Its hero, a rogue named Jack, was so cunning that he fooled the Devil himself. The evil spirit respected him and promised not to take Jack to hell. But they didn’t take him to heaven either, and since then Jack’s restless soul has been wandering the Earth, lighting his way with a jack-o’-lantern with a piece of smoldering coal inside. She will find peace only after the end of the world and the Last Judgment that will follow, and until then - at least, so our ancestors believed - everyone can meet her at night on a dark road. In Europe, the Jack-lantern was made from potatoes, turnips and beets, but the Americans adapted a pumpkin for it, which has since become one of the symbols of the popular holiday.

Alexandra Voloshina

The History of the Jack-O-Lantern.

Every October, residents of the United States (and now all over the world) decorate their homes to celebrate Halloween. The main attribute and symbol of this holiday is an illuminated pumpkin, carved in the shape of a head with a frightening, greedy face.

Name " Jack-o-lantern” (“Jack of the Lantern"" comes from the Irish folk tale of the drunkard Jack ( Stingy Jack, Jack the Smith or Drunk Jack). In Ireland, it has long been a tradition to celebrate the first harvest with crafts, these were large carved turnips and potatoes.

The Legend of Stingy Jack.

Blacksmith Jack was a lover of strong drinks and once invited the Devil to “have a glass.” True to his nickname, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drinks and so he persuaded the Devil to turn himself into a coin. As soon as the lord of hell turned into money, Jack decided to keep it for himself, quickly putting the coin in his pocket next to the silver cross, which prevented the Devil from returning to his usual appearance.

Later, Jack released the demon on the condition that he would not bother him for a year and that when Jack died, his soul would not go to the Devil. A year later, the savvy blacksmith tricked him again, forcing him to climb a tree for fruit. But this time Stingy Jack carved a cross on the tree trunk, but again released the Devil on the condition that he would not bother him for all ten years.

After Jack died, God did not allow such an obscene character to be in heaven. While offended by his tricks, Satan, keeping his word not to take his soul, did not let Jack into the underworld. Instead, he gave Jack a piece of ember to light the road and sent him off into the dark night. The blacksmith covered the coal with a cut turnip and has been wandering around the Earth ever since.

The Irish started calling him “ Jack of the Lantern” (Jack Lantern), and then shortened to Jack O'Lantern.

In Ireland and Scotland, people began carving their own versions of scary faces out of turnips and potatoes, leaving them on windows and near doors to scare away Stingy Jack and other evil spirits. In England they used large beets. Immigrants from these countries brought the tradition of carving lanterns from root vegetables to the United States, where residents realized that the pumpkin, common in America, was ideal for such decorations.

The very first Jack-o'-lanterns were carved from turnips, potatoes and beets.

The pumpkin symbolizes the "Jack-O-Lantern":

“According to Irish legend, the money-hungry blacksmith-drinker Jack once invited the ruler of the underworld to share a couple of glasses with him in a tavern. When it was time to pay, the enterprising Irishman asked the Devil to turn the coin. After which Jack, without further ado, quickly put it to himself into his pocket, where a silver cross lay. The Devil found himself trapped - “in Christ’s bosom.” And, no matter how hard he tried, he could not take on his original form. In the end, the Devil achieved his release, promising in return not to build Jack for a year machinations, and also after his death not to claim his soul. For the second time, the cunning blacksmith tricked the gullible Satan around his finger, asking him to climb a tree for fruit. As soon as the evil one perched on the spreading crown, Jack scratched a cross on the trunk. So he bargained for himself another ten years of carefree life. The drunkard Jack was unable to take advantage of the privileges he received, because he soon died. After his death, the sinner was not allowed into heaven. Neither God nor the Devil needed Jack. The restless Irishman, in anticipation of Judgment Day, was forced to wander the earth, lighting his way with a piece of coal that the evil one finally threw to him. Jack put a smoldering light in an empty pumpkin and set off on a journey." (c) Vicki

It is believed that this lamp illuminates the path for souls to Purgatory.

Since ancient times, pumpkin has been considered more than just an ordinary berry. Its presence in the house had its own magical meaning. Often the pumpkin was left in the living room in order to protect itself from dark forces. People believed that this berry had unique abilities to absorb negative energy.

Pumpkin as a symbol

Traditionally, pumpkin symbolizes prosperity, fertility and abundance. The berry also gives good health to household members. The bright and beautiful orange color of the product will cope with the bad mood of even the most inveterate pessimist.

Several centuries ago, wise Slavs practiced a simple truth. When there were often quarrels in the house and there was no mutual understanding among the household members, the housewife began to prepare all kinds of dishes using pumpkin.

And miracles happened, because this berry can even change the family atmosphere. It will be interesting to know that if a person came to the house in order to sort things out or to quarrel, then first he was treated to pumpkin juice. As a result, everything ended in bilateral peace and mutual understanding.

Well, who hasn’t heard of the tradition of giving a pumpkin to an unloved groom? This is what proud Ukrainian girls did. Ask why only this product? The answer is very simple: every house was full of these berries and no one was sorry to part with any of them. And a useful “gift” quickly put the unwanted groom in his place.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Now, too, don’t underestimate the pumpkin’s abilities. Dishes using this berry are not only tasty, but also healthy. The orange berry hides a whole set of vitamins (C, E, PP, group B), potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.

People who suffer from frequent hypertension, obesity or too slow metabolism are simply obliged to include dishes from this miracle berry in their daily diet.

During the autumn season, the menus of European restaurants are literally overflowing with all kinds of pumpkin desserts and dishes. In Europe, the berry is extremely popular. In our country, housewives also try not to forget about this product. Pumpkin dishes can be prepared in different ways. Starting from porridge and ending with delicious desserts.

Pumpkin desserts

Dessert dishes have always occupied a place of honor in the human diet. And if desserts are not only tasty, but also healthy, then they simply have no price. Today we will present several simple but very original recipes using pumpkin.

Pumpkin cheesecake with hazelnuts.

All kinds of cheesecakes have long won the love of sweet tooths. To make a healthy pumpkin cheesecake, you will need a minimum of ingredients and time. So, make sure you have:

1. Cookies (baked milk is best) – 200 g;
   
2. Butter – 100 g;
   
3. 3 eggs;
   
4. Cream cheese (or finely ground cottage cheese with sour cream);
   
5. Pumpkin puree – 1.5 cups;
   
6. Condensed milk – 350 g;
   
7. Vanillin and hazelnuts.

Make a shortbread base. To do this, mash the cookies and add butter. Spread the mixture well over the bottom of the baking dish and place in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, mix all the other ingredients, add the eggs and beat with a mixer.

Pour onto the sand base, sprinkle with nuts and bake at 200°C for about 45 minutes. Never immediately remove a finished cheesecake from the oven. Let it cool there, then it will certainly retain its beautiful appearance and will not crack.

Pumpkin soufflé with apples.

Autumn is the best time to prepare such a dish. You will need a very small berry. Cut it into two parts and remove all the seeds. If it turns out that there is very little pulp, then add apples.

Add three tablespoons of water and microwave the product to bake. Later, use a blender to puree it.

Next, melt 40 g of butter, add 2 tbsp. l. flour and stir until completely homogeneous. Gradually pour in 150 ml of milk and a spoonful of sugar. Leave until completely cooled. Meanwhile, separate 2 whites from the yolks and turn them into a beautiful foam.

Mix the finished puree with the milk mixture and add the yolks. Now carefully fold in the whites. Pour everything into molds and bake at 180 degrees for about 20 minutes. You can use pumpkin halves instead of molds. Place them on a silicone mat and safely pop them into the oven.

You will see that these pumpkin recipes will not disappoint. Bon appetit!

In Russian folk tradition, pumpkin occupied an important place not only in cooking, but also in healing, as well as among the Western Slavs participated in various magical practices.

Useful properties of pumpkin

In strava (conscious cooking and eating), it was valued, as in modern cooking, for its rich set of B vitamins, a source of carotene, iodine, magnesium, etc.

It also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and is a dietary product that helps normalize metabolism and reduce weight. The oil obtained from its seeds helps normalize liver function and is used in medical procedures as microenemas, and is also taken orally on an empty stomach for hepatitis A and B.

In Russian cooking, pumpkin was used in vegetable dishes, in salads - raw, fried and steamed, for preparing cold and hot soups, mazun, levashi (jam), for making marshmallows, drinks (sbitney, kvass, compotes), small fruits were used as a form in which vegetables, meat, and cereals were baked, thereby acquiring a specific and very original taste. Such dishes were often decorations for a holiday or Sunday table.

Secrets of cooking autumn dishes, recipes for Moscow sbiten, solyanka and Guryev porridge in a master class.

Pulp with seeds, which people carelessly throw away, was also actively used in healing: in its raw form as compresses for “spurs” on the legs, painful calluses, corns, cracked heels, for “growing bones” (at night, a compress under the film), in steamed together with seeds, with the addition of mustard and honey - as compresses for inflamed joints, for osteochondrosis; without mustard, but with honey - on the breasts of women in case of mastitis, mastopathy, stagnation of milk.

The main, edible pulp is actively used in cosmetology: for preparing masks for aging skin, in combination with some herbs, for removing age spots, for removing warts and moles. For preparing masks and soaps to improve hair growth and strengthen nails (with apple juice).

What does a pumpkin symbolize?

In the mythological aspect, PUMPKIN was plant of the goddess Zhiva, which was also associated with the hundred (chakra) Belly and was responsible not only for earthly and human fertility (her holiday of Autumn is September 22 - 24), but also, being the wife of Dazhdbog, was responsible for prosperity, in the broadest sense of the word.

That is why among the Western Slavs the pumpkin also became a symbol of matchmaking (initially, and only then, when traditions were forgotten, it became a symbol of refusal - the film “Trembita”, the main character gave “Garbuza” as a refusal to the groom).

Pumpkin magic

The Bulgarians used dried pumpkin, its flowers and seeds were often used in the magic of increasing wealth, in rituals for successful trading, in the vocation of a child (3 pumpkin seeds to wear near the womb).

And let us remember the holiday of Halloween, where pumpkin is one of the main elements of the ritual. It is celebrated in Western countries from October 31 to November 1.

This is a late interpretation and modification of a ritual action symbolizing the confrontation between two sisters, the goddess Zhiva (symbol of the passing agrarian year, passing light, grace - the symbol of a pumpkin and the light of a candle) and the goddess Mara, who was responsible for the coming time of darkness, trials, purification , a time when we are all tested for spiritual strength, in case of lack of which during its time, our souls can be taken over by various diseases, darkness, illusions - evil “forces” (its symbols are evil monsters and carnival masks of the Halloween holiday).

Initially, in this ritual, the pumpkin was used not only as a candlestick, although it did not contain any frightening guises, but also as a gift and home decoration, as a a symbol of the grace accumulated over the summer, the life that is revered in a given house.

The custom of giving a pumpkin on this day was considered a good omen, because with it you give a piece of light, joy and warmth.

How our ancestors used pumpkin

Pumpkin is the queen of autumn. It usually ripens in September, but late varieties produce a harvest at the end of October. That is why it is often called the “last vegetable” in the garden.

Pumpkin is perfectly stored in a dry and cool place for several months: you can even prepare it for the New Year's table.

Pumpkin is grown everywhere except in the permafrost zone, and therefore there are dozens of traditional dishes made from it in the cuisines of many countries and peoples. For example, in Kazakhstan they prepare manti with pumpkin, in Uzbekistan - milk soup with pumpkin (shirkavak), Italians add pumpkin to risotto, in Austria they make schnapps from it, and in India - halva.

In Rus', pumpkin was called lady, and the traditional dish with it was porridge. Porridge with pumpkin can be cooked in water, milk or cream. Along with pumpkin pieces, you can safely add dried fruits to the porridge.

Pumpkin goes perfectly with millet and rice, but works well with all other cereals and legumes. Pumpkin does not avoid such unusual grains as couscous. Today, this Maghreb grain is incredibly popular in world cuisine: dishes with it are prepared in the most prestigious restaurants.

Using pumpkin in cooking

Recipe. Couscous with pumpkin, cheese and spices

Ingredients: 50 g of couscous, 5 tablespoons of milk, 2-2.5 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 20-30 g of Gouda cheese, honey, and a pinch of various spices - ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom.

Preparation: To obtain pumpkin puree, the pumpkin must be baked in the oven and then mashed. Boil the couscous for 5 minutes. Drain the water.

Add pumpkin puree, spices to the cereal, pour in milk, stir, bring to a boil, remove from heat and let simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. When serving, sprinkle the couscous with pumpkin with grated cheese and lightly drizzle with honey.

Pumpkin salads and snacks

Pumpkin salads and appetizers can be prepared for both those with a sweet tooth and those who enjoy spicy sensations. For “sweet” salads, pumpkin can be use raw, it harmonizes with carrots, apples, nuts and honey.

Boiled or baked pumpkin is good in hearty meat salads, as well as salads with seafood. Pumpkin has a mild taste, so it goes well with spices (thyme, saffron, mint, rosemary) and oriental mixtures.

Recipe. Korean pickled pumpkin

Ingredients: 500 g pumpkin, 2 cloves garlic, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons Korean carrot seasoning, salt to taste.

Preparation: Peel the pumpkin and grate it on a medium grater. Chop the onion and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Place the onion in the bowl with the pumpkin and stir.

Add finely chopped garlic, honey, vinegar, seasoning and salt. Mix everything well, transfer to a jar and cover with a lid. Place the snack in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Pumpkin main dishes

Pumpkin is distinguished by a particularly flexible character. She withstands all kitchen manipulations, which are possible: boiling, stewing, frying, baking, pureeing, stuffing.

As a result of culinary metamorphoses, a huge number of first and second pumpkin dishes have appeared in the world. Pumpkin boils well, so it is simply invaluable in pureed soups. In soups, pumpkin is combined with meat and poultry, mushrooms, vegetables and fruits.

However, despite the successful companions, pumpkin is self-sufficient: baked in the oven by itself, it is tasty and aromatic. But the most satisfying and hit dish is pumpkin with meat. A win-win option is to cook the meat directly in it, first removing the fibers and seeds and using the cut top and tail as a lid.

Baking with pumpkin

Winter varieties of pumpkin are especially suitable for preparing flour dishes - their flesh is denser and sweeter. Snack pies and pies with pumpkin, bread, cookies, rolls, cakes, waffles - you can add pumpkin anywhere.

And most importantly: pumpkin baked goods attractive not only in taste, but also in color! Yellow-orange buns, biscuits and cakes can give warmth and lift your spirits during the cold season.

Recipe. Pumpkin cupcakes

Ingredients: 300 g peeled pumpkin, 250 g flour, 150 g butter, 150 g sugar, 3 eggs, 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Preparation: Grate the pumpkin on a medium grater (drain off the juice). Remove the zest from the lemon and then squeeze out the juice - you will need about 50 ml of lemon juice. Grind butter with sugar, add eggs, mix. Add lemon juice and zest, stir. Add pumpkin and mix well. Add flour and baking powder, knead the dough. The dough should not be very thick. Place the batter into muffin tins (don't fill the muffin tins completely with batter). Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Note. Ready-made cupcakes can be sprinkled with powdered sugar or coconut flakes.

Pumpkin recipe. Pumpkin tatin with orange

Ingredients:(for dough) 200 g flour, 100 g butter, 6 tablespoons cold water; (for filling) 500 g peeled pumpkin, 150 g sugar, 50 g butter, 2 tablespoons orange juice, zest of half an orange.

Preparation: Knead the dough from flour, butter and cold water, put the dough in the refrigerator for half an hour. Cut the pumpkin into pieces and sprinkle it with a mixture of 25 g of sugar and finely grated zest.

In a baking dish or frying pan that can be placed in the oven, melt the butter, sprinkle it evenly with the remaining sugar and bring until light brown (it is very important not to over-expose the sugar!).

Place the pumpkin in an even layer on the prepared caramel, pour over the orange juice and place the pan in an oven preheated to 200 degrees for 15 minutes.

At this time, roll out the dough and cover the half-finished pumpkin with it, folding the edges of the dough down. Place back in the oven and bake for another 30 minutes (the dough should be lightly browned). Let the finished pie sit for 5 minutes and then turn it out onto a plate. This must be done carefully so as not to get burned by the hot syrup.

Note. For this dish, you can also use ready-made puff pastry (250 g). You can add cinnamon or apples to the pumpkin.

Homemade pumpkin preparations

The easiest and fastest way to prepare pumpkin for future use is is to freeze it. To do this, you need to peel the pumpkin, cut it into pieces and place it in plastic bags in the freezer, where it can be stored for 6 months to a year.

However, if you show culinary initiative, you can prepare delicious “winter” salads from pumpkin or preserve it in apple or sea buckthorn juice. At the same time, almost all of its beneficial properties are preserved.

In one jar pumpkin goes well next to each other with tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and zucchini. By analogy with its closest relative - zucchini - caviar is made from pumpkin.

Recipe. Winter pumpkin salad with bell pepper

Ingredients: 1 kg of pumpkin, 1 liter of fresh crushed tomatoes, 500 g of sweet pepper, 200 g of carrots, 200 g of onion, 1-2 hot peppers, half a glass of vegetable oil, 100 g of sugar, 1 tablespoon of 70 percent acetic acid, 2-2, 5 tablespoons salt.

Preparation: Fry carrots and onions in half the oil. Bring the tomato mass to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Add onions and carrots, remaining oil, salt, sugar to the chopped tomatoes.

Add pumpkin cut into large pieces, sweet and hot peppers. Cook for another 30 minutes. At the very end of cooking, add vinegar. Pour the salad into hot sterilized jars. Roll up the jars, turn them over and wrap them until they cool completely.

Pumpkin desserts and drinks

Sweet varieties of pumpkin make very tasty candied fruits, marmalade, jam, marmalade and preserves. Moreover, such sweets can be prepared in a variety of variations, since pumpkin goes well with fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries.

Recipe. Pumpkin jam

Ingredients: 1 kg of peeled pumpkin, 800 g of sugar, 1 orange, 1 glass of sea buckthorn.

Preparation: It is best to use mature yellow pumpkin for jam. Peel the pumpkin, remove the inner pulp, and cut into 1.5 x 1.5 cm cubes.

Peel the orange and cut it into small pieces. Wash the sea buckthorn, sort it out, and rub it through a sieve. Place pumpkin, orange and sea buckthorn in a saucepan with a thick bottom and cover with sugar.

Leave for a couple of hours, during which time the mixture should give juice. Then place the pan on low heat and cook the jam for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The color of the jam should be amber-transparent, and the pumpkin pieces should remain intact. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and roll up.

Continuing the “sweet” theme, it’s worth remembering pumpkin drinks. Pumpkin juices, fruit drinks, compotes, decoctions, and jelly are as aromatic as they are healthy.

Recipe. Pumpkin Cinnamon Smoothie

Ingredients: 600 g unpeeled pumpkin, 3 large lemons, 1 grapefruit, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, honey to taste.

Preparation. Cut the pumpkin, remove the seeds, peel the pulp and cut into pieces. Boil the pumpkin (steamed or in water) for 10-15 minutes, then drain the water, cool the pumpkin, grind in a blender and add ground cinnamon.

Squeeze juice from lemons and grapefruit and pour into pumpkin puree. If desired, add honey to taste. Beat the mixture with a blender until a fluffy, homogeneous mass is formed. Place ice cubes in low glasses, pour in the prepared smoothie and serve immediately.