Pears come into season in fall through winter and are often associated with the holidays. But what is the pear symbolism and meaning?

For starters, the pear is frequently used to represent femininity, longevity, and prosperity. Let’s look a little closer at each of these.

Femininity and Pear Symbolism

Pears are associated with femininity because they are sweet, tender, fragile, and in the shape of a woman’s body type (pear-shaped, of course).

Longevity and Pear Symbolism

The pear as a symbol of longevity comes from how long pear trees live, which is about fifty years, as well as how long the fruit can stay fresh after harvest. Pears were a popular piece of produce to ship across oceans because, if properly stored, they could last for months.

If held at the correct temperature and humidity (when picked just before they turn ripe, and stored at 30 degrees Fahrenheit at 85 to 90% humidity), pears can last for months.

You may also enjoy this inspiring article on rosemary longevity benefits here.

Pears are similar to Fuyu persimmons in this, their long-lasting capacity.

Prosperity and Abundance Pear Symbolism

Prosperity and abundance are often tied to pears because they used to be such an expensive commodity in ancient times.

Pears were commonly grown in temperate Europe, primarily the Mediterranean area, and then moved along trade routes to the wealthiest nobles. In France and Italy, pears were almost exclusively found in the gardens of monasteries and castles.

Spain and Pear Symbolism

In Spain, “esto es la pera” means “this is the pear”; this expression describes happiness or pleasure at the current moment. “Star mas sano queue pera” roughly translates to “fit as a fiddle” while meaning “healthy as a pear.”

It’s safe to assume that across all countries, religions, languages, and mediums, pears have a positive connotation associated with them.

Pear Symbolism in China

In ancient China, pears were used to symbolize wealth, prosperity, and immortality. In more recent times, pears are not split because of superstition. The Chinese word “Li” means both “pear” and “separation”. So, to prevent the separation of friends, lovers, and family, you are not supposed to split the pears.

Their longevity also leads them to be used to signify immortality. This means that many Chinese families leave them at shrines as a gift for their beloved deceased.

Japanese Pear Symbolism

Asian pears look similar to American apples. They are round in shape, with crisp skins, crunchy interiors, and usually a yellowish-tan color (much like a Golden Delicious apple).

In Japan, pears are used to keep misfortune at bay. Japanese families would routinely plant pear trees in front of their homes to “guard” the family from evil and trouble.

Pear Symbolism in Christianity

In Christianity, pears often represent the mother virgin Mary, and her child Jesus. Many works of art show a pear near these two. Some believe it is because of the sweetness that the pear was chosen; others believe that pears represent womanhood and grace.

Interestingly enough, the “tree of knowledge” from the Bible was never specified as an apple tree, and some scholars believe the tree was a pear or fig tree. This belief stems from the statement in the Bible that Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes after eating from the tree.

Pear Symbolism in Art

In art, pears are commonly used to signify several ideas, usually pertaining to the ideas represented above.

• In “The Odyssey” (Homer’s poem from the 9th Century), pears grew in the garden of the king of Phaeacians and were a gift from the gods.
• In the painting “Madonna and Child“, the pear on the table is used to communicate the love of Christ; it is sometimes interpreted to show mother Mary’s femininity and tenderness as a mother. 
• Pears symbolized abundance in Greece and Rome and were commonly offered to Pomona, who was the goddess of fruitful abundance. They are depicted below here in this painting from Pompeii 70 CE. Greeks also saw pears as sacred to goddesses Aphrodite and Hera.

Pear Blossom Meaning and Symbolism

In western culture the pear blossom in associated with health and hope. In China, the pear blossom means purity, longevity, and immortality.

No matter the pear symbolism and meaning, past or present, pears are an awesome fruit to grow and know, with so many uses and benefits.

If you enjoy symbolism, you may also enjoy these articles on rose symbolism and also white flower meanings and symbolism.