Olive Tree Symbolism

The Olive Tree is universally recognised as the tree of peace but what else does this ancient tree symbolise?

“Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love”  (Leonard Cohen).

Rich in Meaning

The Olive Tree is rich in meaning and symbolism across many cultures and religions. The olive tree is a universal symbol of peace and friendship. For Christians the Olive tree symbolises ‘Hope’. In the Old Testament a dove returns to Noah and the Ark with an olive branch, a sign that land is near and the flood at an end.

References to Olives and Olive trees are found throughout the Quaran. Muslims have made prayer beads out of wood from olive trees for centuries. The prophet Muhammad taught in his hadith:

“Eat the oil and use it on your hair and skin for it comes from a blessed tree“.

To early societies trees were considered to be sacred and many rituals took place under trees.

They were seen as a direct link between the gods and the earth and an antenna to the heavens.

Olive tree carving

Olives in Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece Olive trees were considered to be an aphrodisiac and a gift of an Olive tree for newly weds was customary, as was a feast of Olives on their wedding night. For ancient Greeks Olive trees represented fertility. Today science has proven that their instinct was right as Olives contain healthy fats. These are critical for manufacturing hormones and maintaining the health and well-being of both men and women.

Ancient Greek wedding

The Olive Tree is often referred to as ‘the tree of eternity’ due its evergreen canopy and ability to thrive in all conditions, living for hundreds of years; the average age of the Olive Tree is 800 years old.

Van Gogh -olive trees
The Olive Trees – Vincent Van Gogh

One of the oldest olive trees in the world is 3000 years old, revered as a national monument in its home in Crete. A wreath from its ancient branches is now used in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The ancient Greeks would be pleased!

Ancient Greece

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