On the semiotic function of cucurbits

Authors

• Ralf Norrman

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.67124

Keywords:

Semiotics, Symbolism, Language and religion, Food, Nutrition

Abstract

Every user of the sign can get at its meaning not only through his knowledge of the code (which could have been arbitrary) but also by deducing on his own the meaning of the sign through observations of that part of nature from which it is taken. In their symbolic use in literature the various plants and animals are thus often given their semiotic role because of intrinsic suitability for it. By looking at some aspects of the semiotic role of the plant family Cucurbitaceae (melons, water-melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, calabashes, squashes, gherkins, marrows etc.), the author exemplifiesfour of the ways in which such textual elements "write themselves". One cluster of cucurbitic connotations is strongly positive. Cucurbitstropical plants, requiring warmth and moisture—are associated with summer, luxury and abundance. Being fertile plants which grow quickly (and die easily) they are a symbol of life and vitality, usually of cyclical life or the life cycle (in contrast to e.g. evergreens which tend to symbolize eternal or enduring life). Closely connected with their role in symbolizing life and fertility are their sexual connotations which are widespread, numerous and far-branching. In particular the sexual connotations abound in associations with femininity.