Sicilian Citrus

Now let us tell you a bit of history and mythology about Sicilian citrus fruits. Let's start with Greek mythology, which tells that, on the occasion of the wedding between Jupiter and Juno, the goddess Earth would joyfully plant, in a garden located on an island (Sicily?), some trees with fruits resembling golden spheres, the citrus fruit, a symbol of love and fertility. To prevent theft, Jupiter is said to have placed three maidens, called hesperides (Egle, Hesperunda and Arethusa, daughters of Atlas and the goddess Night) in charge of the garden, who intoxicated the days with sweet singing. From this narrative would derive the augural, wedding-related meaning attributed to orange blossoms. The custom of employing orange blossoms to adorn brides' dresses dates back to the time of the Crusades. Eastern knights gave them as a wedding day gift to their bride; Saracen traditions attribute fertility value to orange blossoms.