In Russian folk tradition, pumpkin occupied an important place not only in cooking, but also in healing, as well as among the Western Slavs participated in various magical practices.
Useful properties of pumpkin
In strava (conscious cooking and eating), it was valued, as in modern cooking, for its rich set of B vitamins, a source of carotene, iodine, magnesium, etc.
Products and dishes made from pumpkin have antiseptic, antiparasitic properties, a pronounced choleretic effect, and it is quite mild, so its use is recommended even for cholelithiasis.
It also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and is a dietary product that helps normalize metabolism and reduce weight. The oil obtained from its seeds helps normalize liver function and is used in medical procedures as microenemas, and is also taken orally on an empty stomach for hepatitis A and B.
In Russian cooking, pumpkin was used in vegetable dishes, in salads - raw, fried and steamed, for preparing cold and hot soups, mazun, levashi (jam), for making marshmallows, drinks (sbitney, kvass, compotes), small fruits were used as a form in which vegetables, meat, and cereals were baked, thereby acquiring a specific and very original taste. Such dishes were often decorations for a holiday or Sunday table.
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The pulp with seeds , which people carelessly throw away, was also actively used in healing: in its raw form as compresses for “spurs” on the legs, painful calluses, corns, cracked heels, for “growing bones” (at night, a compress under a film ), steamed together with seeds, with the addition of mustard and honey - as compresses for inflamed joints, for osteochondrosis; without mustard, but with honey - on the breasts of women in case of mastitis, mastopathy, stagnation of milk.
The main, edible pulp was actively used in cosmetology : for preparing masks for aging skin, in combination with some herbs, for removing age spots, for removing warts and moles. For preparing masks and soaps to improve hair growth and strengthen nails (with apple juice).
What does a pumpkin symbolize?
In the mythological aspect, PUMPKIN was a plant of the goddess Zhiva , who was also associated with the hundred (chakra) Belly and was responsible not only for earthly and human fertility (her Autumn holiday is September 22 - 24), but also, being the wife of Dazhdbog, was responsible for prosperity , in the broadest sense of the word.
That is why among the Western Slavs the pumpkin also became a symbol of matchmaking (initially, and only then, when traditions were forgotten, it became a symbol of refusal - the film “Trembita”, the main character gave “Garbuza” as a refusal to the groom).
Pumpkin magic
Among the Bulgarians, dried pumpkin, its flowers and seeds were often used in the magic of increasing wealth , in rituals for successful trade, in calling a child (carrying 3 pumpkin seeds near the womb).
And let us remember the holiday of Halloween, where pumpkin is one of the main elements of the ritual. It is celebrated in Western countries from October 31 to November 1.
This is a late interpretation and modification of a ritual action symbolizing the confrontation between two sisters, the goddess Zhiva (symbol of the passing agrarian year, passing light, grace - the symbol of a pumpkin and the light of a candle) and the goddess Mara, who was responsible for the coming time of darkness, trials, purification , a time when we are all tested for spiritual strength, in case of lack of which during its time, our souls can be taken over by various diseases, darkness, illusions - evil “forces” (its symbols are evil monsters and carnival masks of the Halloween holiday).
Initially, in this ritual, the pumpkin was used not only as a candlestick, however, not containing any frightening faces, but also as a gift and decoration of the house, as a symbol of the grace accumulated over the summer , life, which is revered in this house.
The custom of giving a pumpkin on this day was considered a good omen, because with it you give a piece of light, joy and warmth.
Where to place the gourd pumpkin
One of the main meanings of this feng shui symbol is health promotion. It is believed to promote longevity. However, in fact, the amulet is often used to achieve completely different goals.
Experts agree that the talisman is suitable for placement almost anywhere. Of course, with the exception of completely inappropriate areas - such as a toilet or bathroom.
It turns out that you can place the gourd pumpkin almost anywhere in the apartment along the Bagua square. But before placing the amulet, you need to find out what its influence will be in a certain sector.
You can place the gourd gourd almost anywhere in your home, taking into account the principles of Bagua.
How to properly position a figurine at home:
- on the surface of a desk or in a desk drawer - to eliminate stress at work and improve performance;
- in the love zone, which is ideally located in the bedroom - to improve relations between partners;
- in the family or children sector - to establish communication with the younger generation;
- in the living room - to arouse favor among relatives;
This eastern amulet, like others, is made from different materials - wood, clay, stone and even metal. When using the Bagua octagon, consider the compatibility of the amulet material and the natural element of the sector itself. The elements must coincide or be in harmony with each other - their enmity will lead to the deactivation of the properties of the amulet.
How our ancestors used pumpkin
Pumpkin is the queen of autumn. It usually ripens in September, but late varieties produce a harvest at the end of October. That is why it is often called the “last vegetable” in the garden.
Pumpkin is perfectly stored in a dry and cool place for several months: you can even prepare it for the New Year's table.
Pumpkin is grown everywhere except in the permafrost zone, and therefore there are dozens of traditional dishes made from it in the cuisines of many countries and peoples. For example, in Kazakhstan they prepare manti with pumpkin, in Uzbekistan - milk soup with pumpkin (shirkavak), Italians add pumpkin to risotto, in Austria they make schnapps from it, and in India - halva.
In Rus', pumpkin was called lady, and the traditional dish with it was porridge. Porridge with pumpkin can be cooked in water, milk or cream. Along with pumpkin pieces, you can safely add dried fruits to the porridge.
Pumpkin goes perfectly with millet and rice, but it also works well with all other cereals and legumes. Pumpkin does not avoid such unusual grains as couscous. Today, this Maghreb grain is incredibly popular in world cuisine: dishes with it are prepared in the most prestigious restaurants.
The history of the appearance of the talisman.
At first, for a very, very long time, gourds were used to store fresh water. And fresh, the water remained in this vessel for quite a long time. And since clean and fresh water has always been valued in many countries, almost more expensive than gold, it is clear that vessels that help preserve the freshness of water were not cheaply valued. Among other things, people noticed that this pumpkin is able to accumulate positive energy and heal the surrounding space, so another beneficial, wonderful Feng Shui talisman appeared, which in our modern world can improve our lives. Ho-Lu, Wo-Lu, calabash - all these are names, gourds. This talisman is also made of wood, for example cypress, as well as ceramics or metal.
Using pumpkin in cooking
Recipe. Couscous with pumpkin, cheese and spices
Ingredients: 50 g of couscous, 5 tablespoons of milk, 2-2.5 tablespoons of pumpkin puree, 20-30 g of Gouda cheese, honey, and a pinch of various spices - ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom.
Preparation: To obtain pumpkin puree, the pumpkin must be baked in the oven and then mashed. Boil the couscous for 5 minutes. Drain the water.
Add pumpkin puree, spices to the cereal, pour in milk, stir, bring to a boil, remove from heat and let simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. When serving, sprinkle the couscous with pumpkin with grated cheese and lightly drizzle with honey.
Pumpkin salads and snacks
Pumpkin salads and appetizers can be prepared for both those with a sweet tooth and those who enjoy spicy sensations. For “sweet” salads, pumpkin can be used raw ; it harmonizes with carrots, apples, nuts and honey.
Boiled or baked pumpkin is good in hearty meat salads, as well as salads with seafood. Pumpkin has a mild taste, so it goes well with spices (thyme, saffron, mint, rosemary) and oriental mixtures.
Recipe. Korean pickled pumpkin
Ingredients: 500 g pumpkin, 2 cloves garlic, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons Korean carrot seasoning, salt to taste.
Preparation: Peel the pumpkin and grate it on a medium grater. Chop the onion and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Place the onion in the bowl with the pumpkin and stir.
Add finely chopped garlic, honey, vinegar, seasoning and salt. Mix everything well, transfer to a jar and cover with a lid. Place the snack in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Pumpkin main dishes
Pumpkin is distinguished by a particularly flexible character. It possible kitchen manipulations
As a result of culinary metamorphoses, a huge number of first and second pumpkin dishes have appeared in the world. Pumpkin boils well, so it is simply invaluable in pureed soups. In soups, pumpkin is combined with meat and poultry, mushrooms, vegetables and fruits.
However, despite the successful companions, pumpkin is self-sufficient: baked in the oven by itself, it is tasty and aromatic. But the most satisfying and hit dish is pumpkin with meat. A win-win option is to cook the meat directly in it, first removing the fibers and seeds and using the cut top and tail as a lid.
Baking with pumpkin
Winter varieties of pumpkin are especially suitable for preparing flour dishes - their flesh is denser and sweeter. Snack pies and pies with pumpkin, bread, cookies, rolls, cakes, waffles - you can add pumpkin anywhere.
And what is important: pumpkin baked goods are attractive not only in taste, but also in color ! Yellow-orange buns, biscuits and cakes can give warmth and lift your spirits during the cold season.
Recipe. Pumpkin cupcakes
Ingredients: 300 g peeled pumpkin, 250 g flour, 150 g butter, 150 g sugar, 3 eggs, 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons baking powder.
Preparation: Grate the pumpkin on a medium grater (drain off the juice). Remove the zest from the lemon and then squeeze out the juice - you will need about 50 ml of lemon juice. Grind butter with sugar, add eggs, mix. Add lemon juice and zest, stir. Add pumpkin and mix well. Add flour and baking powder, knead the dough. The dough should not be very thick. Place the batter into muffin tins (don't fill the muffin tins completely with batter). Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Note. Ready-made cupcakes can be sprinkled with powdered sugar or coconut flakes.
Pumpkin recipe. Pumpkin tatin with orange
Ingredients: (for dough) 200 g flour, 100 g butter, 6 tablespoons cold water; (for filling) 500 g peeled pumpkin, 150 g sugar, 50 g butter, 2 tablespoons orange juice, zest of half an orange.
Preparation: Knead the dough from flour, butter and cold water, put the dough in the refrigerator for half an hour. Cut the pumpkin into pieces and sprinkle it with a mixture of 25 g of sugar and finely grated zest.
In a baking dish or frying pan that can be placed in the oven, melt the butter, sprinkle it evenly with the remaining sugar and bring until light brown (it is very important not to over-expose the sugar!).
Place the pumpkin in an even layer on the prepared caramel, pour over the orange juice and place the pan in an oven preheated to 200 degrees for 15 minutes.
At this time, roll out the dough and cover the half-finished pumpkin with it, folding the edges of the dough down. Place back in the oven and bake for another 30 minutes (the dough should be lightly browned). Let the finished pie sit for 5 minutes and then turn it out onto a plate. This must be done carefully so as not to get burned by the hot syrup.
Note. For this dish, you can also use ready-made puff pastry (250 g). You can add cinnamon or apples to the pumpkin.
Homemade pumpkin preparations
The easiest and fastest way to prepare pumpkin for future use is to freeze it. To do this, you need to peel the pumpkin, cut it into pieces and place it in plastic bags in the freezer, where it can be stored for 6 months to a year.
However, if you show culinary initiative, you can prepare delicious “winter” salads from pumpkin or preserve it in apple or sea buckthorn juice. At the same time, almost all of its beneficial properties are preserved.
In one jar, pumpkin sits perfectly alongside tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and zucchini. By analogy with its closest relative - zucchini - caviar is made from pumpkin.
Recipe. Winter pumpkin salad with bell pepper
Ingredients: 1 kg of pumpkin, 1 liter of fresh crushed tomatoes, 500 g of sweet pepper, 200 g of carrots, 200 g of onion, 1-2 hot peppers, half a glass of vegetable oil, 100 g of sugar, 1 tablespoon of 70 percent acetic acid, 2- 2.5 tablespoons of salt.
Preparation: Fry carrots and onions in half the oil. Bring the tomato mass to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Add onions and carrots, remaining oil, salt, sugar to the chopped tomatoes.
Add pumpkin cut into large pieces, sweet and hot peppers. Cook for another 30 minutes. At the very end of cooking, add vinegar. Pour the salad into hot sterilized jars. Roll up the jars, turn them over and wrap them until they cool completely.
Pumpkin desserts and drinks
Sweet varieties of pumpkin make very tasty candied fruits, marmalade, jam, marmalade and preserves. Moreover, such sweets can be prepared in a variety of variations, since pumpkin goes well with fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries.
Recipe. Pumpkin jam
Ingredients: 1 kg of peeled pumpkin, 800 g of sugar, 1 orange, 1 glass of sea buckthorn.
Preparation: It is best to use mature yellow pumpkin for jam. Peel the pumpkin, remove the inner pulp, and cut into 1.5 x 1.5 cm cubes.
Peel the orange and cut it into small pieces. Wash the sea buckthorn, sort it out, and rub it through a sieve. Place pumpkin, orange and sea buckthorn in a saucepan with a thick bottom and cover with sugar.
Leave for a couple of hours, during which time the mixture should give juice. Then place the pan on low heat and cook the jam for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The color of the jam should be amber-transparent, and the pumpkin pieces should remain intact. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and roll up.
Continuing the “sweet” theme, it’s worth remembering pumpkin drinks. Pumpkin juices, fruit drinks, compotes, decoctions, and jelly are as aromatic as they are healthy.
Recipe. Pumpkin Cinnamon Smoothie
Ingredients: 600 g unpeeled pumpkin, 3 large lemons, 1 grapefruit, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, honey to taste.
Preparation. Cut the pumpkin, remove the seeds, peel the pulp and cut into pieces. Boil the pumpkin (steamed or in water) for 10-15 minutes, then drain the water, cool the pumpkin, grind in a blender and add ground cinnamon.
Squeeze juice from lemons and grapefruit and pour into pumpkin puree. If desired, add honey to taste. Beat the mixture with a blender until a fluffy, homogeneous mass is formed. Place ice cubes in low glasses, pour in the prepared smoothie and serve immediately.
Secrets of cooking autumn dishes, recipes for Moscow sbiten, solyanka and Guryev porridge in the seminar “Autumn and winter herbs”.
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Magical properties of pumpkin
For a long time, water and drinks were stored in gourds, and people noticed that the water in such a container remained fresh. In ancient times, a vessel was made from a gourd by a craftsman. He meticulously chose the fruit, and while working, he filled it with bright thoughts and good wishes. The master decorated the pumpkin with intricate carvings or forged decor, while telling out loud instructive stories and parables that were supposed to “teach” the talisman to recognize good people and help them in everything.
The gourd pumpkin is a universal amulet, the effects of which cover many areas of human life. The talisman is suitable for any premises, the main thing is not to keep it among trash and used things. The gourd pumpkin is always active, it has a beneficial effect on any other talismans and symbols that are nearby.
The practice of using gourd gourd as a magical talisman is not only accepted in Feng Shui. Many religions use this vessel of spirits in their rituals. Do not forget that the effect of Feng Shui talismans depends on the personal attitude of the person who owns them. Feelings when looking at the amulet, aspirations and hopes will become a catalyst that activates and directs its power along a certain vector. Therefore, in no case should you choose talismans that are unpleasant for yourself or that cause double feelings. The chance to achieve greater luck is to follow the rules of Feng Shui, which require that the harmony of the elements be maintained.
The healing properties of this plant have long been known. This type of pumpkin was even called gourd because it was used to treat the throat. In ancient China, people carried clean water in these fruits. Drinkable water, living water, was valuable, so this type of pumpkin became a talisman helping people. The legendary sages of ancient times kept the elixir of immortality in it.
Source: vse-talismany.ru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQu8zJqmXGA
Why is Pumpkin a symbol of Halloween?
The pumpkin is a bright and permanent symbol of the Halloween holiday, thanks to the fusion of two legends, Irish and English.
But, in fact, why the pumpkin became the symbol of Halloween: One of the main symbols of Halloween is the pumpkin. By the way, using a pumpkin as a symbol of the holiday is an American invention. And before the American invention, in Ireland and Scotland scary faces, into which candles were then inserted, were carved from turnips and potatoes, in England - from beets.
Glamorous pumpkins with glitter
Turning a simple orange fruit into a fashionable element of interior decor is as easy as pie. You can create a pumpkin in a shining robe with your own hands. Apply small or large rhinestones, gilding and sparkles. There is no need to cover the entire surface with them, the top or middle is enough. Just don't overdo it! You can draw stripes of diamond drops or even decorate with grandma's old beads - it will also turn out glamorous.
Using glitter for decoration
Pumpkin instead of an ice bucket
Do you want to surprise your holiday guests? We suggest creating an ice bucket. This attribute for soft drinks will definitely highlight the creative nature of the owner of the house. In order to make the necessary item from the fruit, first cut out the place where the tail is located. Remove the core and place a suitable sized glass bowl inside. Fill the area with the required amount of ice cubes, place the champagne and enjoy the evening. A beautiful decorative element for a festive evening is ready.
Beverage cooling tank
"Jack Lantern" or the story of the Halloween pumpkin
The first mention of a pumpkin as a symbol of the holiday was in 1837, and starting from 1866, not a single Halloween was complete without it.
A pumpkin with a monster's face carved into it and a candle inserted inside is called a "lantern" or "jack-o'-lantern." The name comes from the fact that earlier it was customary among the ancient ancestors of the Irish and Scots to leave lanterns for dead people to help them find their way to purgatory, illuminating the way.
Why Jack? There is a whole legend associated with this. Once such a lamp had to be made for a blacksmith named Jack. He drank a lot, but at the same time he was very cunning and savvy. Once he met Satan himself on the way, but the man was not taken aback and offered the evil spirit a drink.
To pay for another glass of booze, Jack asked Satan to turn into money, and he put it in his pocket, where there was a silver cross that prevented the evil one from getting back out. He decided to come to an agreement with the blacksmith and granted him several additional years of life with the promise that he would not take his soul to hell after death.
Be that as it may, Satan kept his promise and did not take the man’s soul when he died. However, he was also not accepted into heaven, given the lifestyle that Jack led. It so happened that the blacksmith’s soul became restless and of no use to anyone. The devil gave her a smoldering coal so that her soul could see where to go. Having put a coal in a turnip so as not to get burned, Jack's soul went to wander in the light, waiting for Judgment Day.
That is why the Halloween pumpkin began to be called the “Jack-O-Lantern”, which symbolized the restless soul illuminating its path.
At first, turnips or other suitable vegetables were used instead of pumpkins, and when the holiday took root in America, pumpkins began to be carved everywhere, which quickly gained recognition and became the main attribute of the holiday.
Pumpkin with herbarium
Everyone knows from childhood how to dry fallen autumn leaves. Many even collected entire collections. How else can you use unique natural patterns? Take pressed dried plants and decorate your pumpkins with them. Using decoupage glue, you can carefully glue the herbarium and make unique drawings. Try to create your own decoration.
Decoupage decorative pumpkin
Autumn compositions of pumpkins for the garden and home
It will also be possible to create an autumn atmosphere at the dacha. Interior compositions in the form of stylized pumpkins will please the eye for many weeks. To create a unique decor, you will need a muse and imagination. Collect colorful fallen leaves, prepare seasonal berries, grab colorful ribbons and create a wonderful look. You can also use light garlands. This will be especially noticeable in the dark, when the fruits will be illuminated with bright lamps and shimmer beautifully.
Autumn compositions of pumpkins for the garden
Pumpkins with ribbons
If you can’t tinker with small elements or simply don’t have time, you can decorate the symbol of autumn for the holiday in the simplest way - with ribbons. Fasten or glue them to the peel in the form of bows, or decorate the tail of the fruit with an interesting knot. Select the shade of the ribbon based on the overall color scheme of the interior, or take a ribbon of a different color to create a bright accent.
Decorating with ribbons
Pumpkins with drawings and patterns
Painted elements will add bright colors to a simple root vegetable, and it will be difficult to distinguish whether it is a porcelain vase or a stand on a coffee table. The painted option is suitable for those who want to distinguish themselves thanks to a skillfully painted picture. To complete the theme of the composition, place the finished item on a table with a snow-white tablecloth, and place a small bouquet of colorful leaves next to it.
Original drawing on a pumpkin
