The Sicilian Pigna
by
Matt Bird
The pigna, or pine cone, can be found on shelves, balconies and gardens around Noto and across the island of Sicily and it has layers of meaning.
Symbolism
The pine cone is a botanical and reproductive organ, the female pine cone holding hundreds of seeds and the male pine cone holding pollen. So the pigna is an expression of fertility.
The ability to reproduce, has historically meant that a family experience economic prosperity. So in many cultures the word for fertility is also translated prosperity.
Pigna produce evergreen trees which remain vibrant and continue to regenerate throughout the year so they are also a symbol of immortality.
Spirituality
Pigna are also an expression of Sicily’s ancient Greek roots.
The Greek fertility god Dionysus carried a staff on the top of which was a pigna.
In Christian tradition pigna are also an expression of the fertility of the mind and the connection between the divine mind and the human mind.
Craftsmanship
Pigna are an expression of skilled artisan craftsmen and their use of ceramics.
The Val di Noto city of Caltagirone is the Sicilian capital of ceramics. It's name derives from the Arabic word meaning 'castle of the (pottery) jars' which indicates the history of pottery making in this city to before 1000 CE.
Most of us have a favourite colour or two. We may have different colours for different moods that we are in or want to be in. We probably have a colour palette for our home and for particular rooms in our home.
The colour of a pigna has meaning too...
- Green for hope, growth & renewal
- Blue for protection, tranquility & peace
- White for purity, innocence & spirituality
- Red for passion, energy & good fortune
- Yellow for wealth, happiness & warmth
- Black for strength, mystery, elegance
- Pink for love, friendship & harmony
Cultural
Pigna expresses Sicilian cultural pride, heritage, tradition and customs. They are given, received and displayed as a sign of welcome and hospitality.
It was custom to give pigna to newly weds as a symbol of wellbeing for their new life together. Now they are given on any occasion to wish prosperity and wellbeing.
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