For thousands of years, the olive tree and olive branch symbolized peace and goodwill. Olive trees, known for their twisted trunks and silver-green leaves, were revered as sacred in ancient cultures.
The Greeks associated olive trees with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who is said to have given humanity the first olive tree.
Meanwhile, the olive branch in the Bible brought hope to Noah and his family and signaled the end of the great flood.
Today, olive trees still have a deep meaning. Their branches are a symbol of peace, as evidenced by various peace treaties and international symbols.
Moreover, olive oil extracted from the fruits is of cultural and culinary importance worldwide.
Let’s explore the symbolism of olive trees, their rich history, mythology and cultural heritage.
Table of contents
- Characteristics of the Mediterranean olive tree
- The symbolism of the olive tree: what is the meaning of the olive tree?
- Symbol of peace and friendship
- Olive tree as a symbol of longevity
- Olive tree is a symbol of strength and endurance.
- Symbol of wisdom and prosperity
- Greek mythology and cultural significance of the olive tree
- Olive branches as national emblem of different countries
- Use of olive tree, extra virgin olive oil and olives
Characteristics of the Mediterranean olive tree
Olive trees are evergreen, heat-loving small trees or shrubs with stiff, pointed gray-green leaves that are silver-green on the back.
They reach a height of 5-10 meters. The flowers are small, creamy white and pleasantly scented. The olive tree can be recognized at first glance by its low, very wrinkled trunk and densely branched crown.
More than 40 species of olive trees are spread from Africa and southern Europe through Asia to Australia. The best known is the European olive tree, originating from the Mediterranean and grown for its fruits called olives. Olive trees are distinguished by their long lifespan.
The olive tree, an extremely slow growing plant, is growing full fertility only after 20 years of growth and can easily bear fruit for another 150 years or more.
The symbolism of the olive tree: what is the meaning of the olive tree?
The symbolism of the olive branch and the olive tree can be traced back to ancient times Greek time.
Symbol of peace and friendship
The olive tree is often mentioned in the Bible as a sign of peace and hope.
In the story of Noah’s Ark, Noah spent forty days and forty nights in his ark after terrible floods. When the water calmed, Noah sent out a dove. He came back to the ark with an olive branch in its mouth, indicating that there is land again. The floods were over and there was peace reconciliation with God and with humanity.
Another tree mentioned in the Bible is found in Revelation 11:4, where the two witnesses are depicted as two olive trees.
The ancient Romans struggled with the choice between war and peace. Then Mars, the Roman god of war, was seen as the bringer of peace when he held an olive branch.
Mediterranean cultures later adopted this symbol of peace. Offering an olive branch as a gesture of peace has been a common practice in diplomacy and conflict resolution for centuries. Olive branches have also been incorporated into flags and emblems related to peace and friendship.
Olive tree as a symbol of longevity
The olive tree is known for its remarkable longevity, often hundreds or thousands of years.
The olive tree’s enduring significance as a symbol of longevity was underscored during the invasion of Greece by the Persian armies of King Xerxes. Despite the destruction of olive tree buildings on the Acropolis in 480 BC, these remarkable trees miraculously grew to a height of two cubits (about 1 meter) on the same day.
Furthermore, seeds from these sacred trees were replanted throughout Attica, ensuring that all olive groves surrounding Athens bore the legacy of Athena’s original tree, perpetuating its continued longevity and resilience.
According to local folklore, the trees are at least 5,000 years old
Olive tree is a symbol of Strength and endurance.
In addition to its longevity, the olive tree, like the cypress, symbolizes strength and endurance. With its sturdy trunk, resilient branches and deep roots, the olive tree is resistant to drought, diseases and extreme weather conditions. This symbolism of strength and endurance is evident in its historical significance as a sacred tree.
In ancient writings, people showed great admiration and affection for the olive tree. In the Bible itself it is referred to as the king of trees, and even the Roman naturalist Columella praised it as Prima omnium arborum = First of all trees.
Symbol of wisdom and prosperity
In ancient Greek mythology, the olive tree was a gift from the goddess Athena, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
Despite requiring little nutrition, olive trees have evolved over centuries to thrive in poor, stony soils. Wherever they grew, they brought health and prosperity to people.
Cedar tree has similar characteristics.
Greek mythology and cultural significance of the olive tree
The Olive Tree is one of the most beloved sacred trees and its place is firmly rooted in ancient Greek tradition and mythology.
According to Greek mythology, Zeus challenged Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, to win the favor of a great city. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident. A salty spring appeared, showing his power. Athena then created an olive tree from another rock. The Athenians chose the olive tree because it provided food, shade and fuel. As a result, the city was called Athens. Athens’ victory was celebrated by crowning the Olympians with olive leaves as a sign of triumph.
When King Xerxes’ Persian armies invaded Greece, the olive tree was apparently incredibly important. Despite the destruction of buildings on the Acropolis in 480 BC that contained olive trees, these trees miraculously grew back to a height of one meter on the same day. Furthermore, the seeds of these sacred trees were replanted throughout Attica, so that all the olive groves around Athens bore a hint of the original tree of Athena.
In ancient Greece, olive oil was not used for cooking, care and staying healthy. Kings and athletes were anointed with olive oil, and it was burned in temple lamps as a sacred flame, even lighting the original Olympic Games. The winners of these games were crowned with olive leaves.
Olive branches as national emblem of different countries
- Olive and laurel branches were woven into wreaths to honor and crown deserving and honorable citizens or winners of the Olympic Games.
- Olive branch appears in the national emblem of countries such as Greece, Cyprus and Palestine.
- The official eemblem of the State of Israel is a seven-branched candlestick, decorated on both sides with olive branches. The candlestick and olive branches are taken from the vision of Zechariah: “And he said to me, “What do you see?” I said, ‘I have seen a candlestick all of gold, with its bowl upon it, and its seven lamps upon it; there are seven pipes for each of the lamps, which are at the top; and two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.” (Zechariah 4:2-4).
- The Flag of the United Nations adopted in 1946, depicting a world map accompanied by two olive branches.
Use of olive tree, extra virgin olive oil and olives
Olive oil, extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, played a crucial role in ancient societies that went beyond cooking. It was used to light lamps, as a beauty treatment in cosmetics and even as a means of payment. The ancient Romans classified olive oil into different classes based on quality, and used it as a valuable commodity.
Today, olive trees are grown mainly for their olives, which are used in food, medicine and cosmetics.
Olive wood is only harvested from old trees or no longer produces fruit. This wood is then used to make kitchen tools, utensils and decorative items.