The Citron in the Mediterranean: A Study in Religious Influences

T nHE citron, or Citrus media, is today, commercially, the least important of cultivated citrus fruits.' It is used primarily for the production of candied citron peel, and the leaves and blossoms of the tree provide essential oils used in the manufacture of perfume.' But despite the citron's minor commercial role the fruit has a twofold significance for the economic geographer. Historically, the citron is important inasmuch as it was the first fruit of the genus citrus to be cultivated in the Mediterranean. There it was introduced and spread by the Jews, to whom the fruit is necessary for the ritual celebration of the holiday of the Feast of l3ooths. The citron, moreover, was in all probability responsible for the initial introduction of oranges and lemons to the Mediterranean, for whose early cultivation there we have evidence.3 But of greater geographic significance is the illustration offered by the history of the citron of the role which religion may play in shaping the landscape and in determining regional and interregional economic relations. The citron is certainly an exceptional example of the religious factor at work;