The Symbolism of Apples and Red in Music and Happiness

The Symbolism Behind Apples and the Color Red

Apples have long been a symbol of health, wisdom, knowledge, the divine, immortality, and more across numerous cultures and belief systems. The vibrant red color of apples adds an extra layer of symbolism tying them to additional themes like passion, vibrancy, intensity, and even danger.

It's no wonder apples make frequent symbolic appearances in religion, mythology, literature, music, and beyond as representations of primordial knowledge and mortality. Their spherical shape echoes cycles and circulation while their sweet juiciness connotes ripeness, fertility, and nourishing abundance.

Apples in Mythology and Folklore

In Greek mythology, apples were among the first wedding gifts signaling enduring love, while in Norse mythology they conferred immortality. The apple appears in several famous folk tales as well, including Snow White where it represents desire and temptation.

Biblically, apples were a forbidden fruit growing on the Tree of Knowledge, representing humanity's fall from innocence after being tempted to gain godlike wisdom. Chinese folklore tells of apples conferring peace and joy, while Celtic myths use apples as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds.

The Color Red in Symbolism

The vibrant red pigment of apples also informs their symbolic meanings. Red is commonly associated with passion, intensity, vibrancy, romance, danger, and action.

As one of the strongest, most dynamic colors, red draws attention and stimulates sight and mind. It represents extremes – from violence, warfare, and aggression to romance, fertility, and prosperity. The color red excites emotions and motivates human desires, appetites, and impulses.

Apples and Red in Music and Lyrics

Many songs and musical works have incorporated apple and red symbolism over the years. Here are some of the most prominent examples.

"Apple Red" Songs

Several songs actually reference the specific phrase "apple red" in lyrics that evoke lush ripeness, tempting sweetness, and the color symbolism around red apples.

Jazz composer Hoagy Carmichael used the line "apple red and wine" in his 1930 song "Snowball." More recently, "apple red" has appeared in songs by musical groups like Over the Rhine and Hem.

The Beatles' Apple Records

The iconic 1960s rock band The Beatles founded their own record label in 1968 which they cleverly dubbed Apple Records. The name was chosen partially as a nod to the Beatles' first party as a band, held at an apple orchard, and the mix of ripeness and forbidden overtones apple symbolism evoked.

Paul McCartney had initially suggested the name Apple Corps, a play on the French musical term "corps" meaning group of musicians. The pun was perhaps a bit too clever though, as the Beatles opted for the simpler Apple Records in the end.

References Beyond Apples

Many songs reference red fruits other than apples which still tap into associated meanings around lushness and indulgence. Cherries are a common one, with red cherries connoting temptation.

The color red alone also features prominently across musical genres and eras. Think of songs like Red Red Wine by Neil Diamond, Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh, and Red by Taylor Swift as just a tiny sample of red-evoking song titles.

Finding Happiness Through Apple Symbolism

Apple symbolism sends a message of abundance, wisdom, immortality, temptation, and more. The color red compounds these meanings with additional layers of passion, intensity, danger, and action.

Music and lyrics have long incorporated apple and red references to tap into the symbolic potency around ripeness, indulgence, desire, and mortality. Perhaps by better understanding the origins of the meanings behind resonant symbols like apples and red, we can better understand the human condition behind our impulses.

And through examining our appetites and mortality, we may ultimately find our way to true fulfillment and happiness.

FAQs

What's the symbolism behind apples?

Apples have held symbolic meaning across cultures representing wisdom, knowledge, immortality, abundance, fertility, and temptation among others. Their round shape echoes cycles and renewal.

Why are red apples symbolic?

The vibrant red color of apples adds symbolism around intensity, passion, danger, and action. As a dynamic, attention-grabbing hue, red compliments the underlying apple symbolism.

What does apple red mean in song lyrics?

"Apple red" directly references the ripe red color of apples. In lyrics it implies lush ripeness, tempting sweetness, and taps into broader color and apple symbolism.

How did apple symbolism inspire The Beatles?

The Beatles were inspired by core apple symbolism around fertility and ripeness. They named their record label Apple Records, partially after hosting their first band party at an apple orchard.

Why include apple and red symbolism in music?

Musicians incorporate apple and red references to tap into their symbolic associations. This allows songwriters to layer additional dimensions of meaning through metaphor and symbolism.