The symbolic meaning of the acorn – a possible interpretation Cover Image

The symbolic meaning of the acorn – a possible interpretation
The symbolic meaning of the acorn – a possible interpretation

Author(s): Maciej Wacławik
Subject(s): History, Archaeology, Ancient World
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: Counterweights; acorn; symbols of fairness; Athena

Summary/Abstract: The acorn is a very popular literary and decorative motif in Greek and Roman culture that was used by many ancient authors to symbolise fertility and the possibility of creating new life. It was used as a decoration with this significance on many everyday objects, such as vessels and jewellery. The acorn was also very popular as a shape for the counterweights of Roman balances. On this group of objects, it is possible that the acorn symbolised the gods, who ensured the fairness of transactions between sellers and their customers. The gods used may have been Zeus, Hermes or Athena, with the latter being the most likely to appear.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: 19
  • Page Range: 255-266
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish