Abducted by Hades, Persephone was given only a pomegranate to endure the profound
hunger, she’d met in the underworld. The very model of restraint. She resisted and consumed
only three of the fruit Berries. Each fruit represented a month, in the deal struck with Hades.
These now, are our winter months.

The Pomegranates made by the people of my home town are quite something. To see  these objects, made with funerary purposes one, taps into just how attentive and solemn they are, in their perfect formation. How utterly transporting, to witness one own connection to so long ago, to see certain forms preserved and recognise them in oneself.  recognising that touch and sensitivity. That incredible intelligence contemplating death. Meeting it with an object worthy of its demand.

All the more striking seeing that they are more than 2000 years old, often even 2700 years old. Thats the age of this Greek era Town. Founded as one of the colonies in the time of Magna Grecia expansion. You do wonder about the adventure involved in opening up new lands, and the exploring of Italy’s until then unknown interior. Can you imagine what the stories were, that convinced others to set out and settle new land. Though only 30 Km from the coast, perched at almost 800m above sea level. This was their America, their new continent. This new frontier town, was one among the very first that opened the interior of the south.

http://www.volcei.net/    Museum of Volcei – Ancient Buccino

This colony could have only occurred with the life lines of support and communication that had been slowly established from the coast.

Nearby is also Velia, Philosophers City. Also know as Eleia by the Romans in , founded by the Greeks as Hyele Ὑέλη. It remains like an exploded supernova,  one of the reason for the intense fame of the locals philosophical Character.  Local are very kindly, but of an utterly analytical sort.

The Ghosts of  Parmenides and Zeno of Elea,  Melissus, as well as those of the  Eleatic school may still be met here.

One wonders how prominently pomegranate featured in the local Cuisine.

Khoresht Fesenjan ~ Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew. This  is a dish that very much sums up home for Persians. I very much enjoyed it, thought it is highly astringent.

It might take some getting used to, but it is a dish that one very much has a hankering for long after the first sitting.

Besides who could turn down the proud challenge from the waiter insisting, this really is a something only Persians can handle.