The Red Apple (and Other Literary Fruits)June 03, 2015

Bowel Cancer Australia designates June 17 as Red Apple Day. There's truth to the adage, "an apple a day keeps a doctor away."

Apple is a commonplace fruit, which is the reason why many people overlook its importance. If you're addicted to apples, then you have nothing to be concerned about. One apple has a moderate amount of calories, which is enough to keep you from being famished. A diet of apples will keep you lean and healthy. Think of the fiber, which is good on your digestive system. Don't forget the Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. The antioxidants can improve your exercise endurance.

It's plain clear that Red Apple Day reminds us of a fruit we often ignore. And if you have enough fill of this fruit, then the campaign let you be aware of the benefits you get from consuming it. Alas, many tend to skip it in favour of snacks and soda. Maybe we're too young to know that empty calories can be dangerous to your health. We don't have to learn this the hard way.

It's time to try something interesting. Maybe fun for a change.

Apple, the mystical fruit

"She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened."

- The Book of Genesis

In ancient time, the words "apple" and "evil" are identical. How can it be? It might not be due to the Biblical tale of Adam and Eve. In Greek mythology, the fruit meant trouble. In the case of Heracles, one of his Twelve Labours was getting an apple from the Tree of Life. It was found in the Garden of Hesperides, Hera's orchard. And the goddess made sure that Lagon, a hundred-headed dragon, would protect it. Impossible for a mortal to do, but it would be nothing when compared to the golden apple. Eris, the goddess of discord, threw it into a wedding party. It was for the fairest, which Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite took noticed. It led to the Trojan War.

The apple was also linked to forbidden carnality. This harked back to the dawn of civilization, but literary aficionados would be reminded of "Lolita". Some would be confused. It reminded them of the tale of Snow White, and the poisoned apple she received by her (evil) stepmother.

But not all fruits were filled with malevolent thoughts. Jakob Lorder, a German mystic, wrote about a strange apple that grew in Saturn. It came from glass branchless trees, which shined too brightly when the sun was up. It would turn into a translucent liquid when it was ripe enough. The fruit would balloon, solidified, and then fall to the ground. This strange fruit would break into shiny squares, which locals used as plates. You didn't lose your appetite, right?

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