Editing Pomegranate (section)

===Ancient Iran===
Pomegranate, known as {{Transliteration|fa|anār}} in [[Persian language|Persian]], is a symbol of fertility, blessing, and favor in Iranian belief. Pomegranates are sacred in the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] religion and Zoroastrians used it in their religious rituals. The yellow color of the pomegranate stamens symbolizes the sun and light.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

The pomegranate tree has been one of the most sacred and holy plants in Iran and is believed to be grown from places where the blood of Siavash (the legendary Iranian character who is known for his innocence) was spilled. It has been mentioned in Iranian Pahlavi scripts as a fruit of heaven. It is also believed that the invulnerability of Esfandiar (Iranian legend) was related to this sacred fruit. The Zoroastrians of Iran believe that pomegranate is a blessed fruit as it is served in their festivals like Mehregan and Nowruz, and especially in their wedding ceremonies to wish for the newly married couple to have healthy children in the future. They also used to plant a pomegranate tree in their fire temples to use its leaves in their ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.packtoiran.com/blogs/detail/84/Pomegranate---The-Persian-fruit-of-heaven |title=Pomegranate -The Persian fruit of heaven |publisher=packtoiran.com |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref>

During the Iranian tradition, Yalda Night, people come together on winter solstice and eat pomegranate fruit to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/surprising-pomegranate-facts |title=5 things you didn't know about pomegranates |publisher=kew.org |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref>

In a relief from [[Persepolis]], [[Darius the Great]] is holding a pomegranate flower with two buds. This Achaemenid king is accepting the representatives of all the subordinate lands of Greater Iran to his presence, while holding a large flower in his hand as a sign of peace and friendship.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}