Traditional Christianity regards the apple as the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. When Eve, prodded into pride by the Devil, tempted Adam to taste the fruit, they, who had been innocent of all sin, instantly knew that they had offended God. Thus, the apple has evolved to be the symbol of "knowledge." It is for this reason that we give apples to teachers — to acknowledge that the teacher is a learned person.

Legend has dictated that to eat an apple without polishing it first is a challenge to Satan.

In Elizabethan times, an apple was given as a symbol of appreciation for the beauty of the recipient and "cheeks as rosy as an apple" were considered a mark of beauty.

Therefore, the apple ornament symbolizes that its lucky owner is both beautiful to behold and to know, while reminding us that beauty and knowledge are gifts from God.


Copyright 2002 M. L. Haramic


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