The Leaves

Over the centuries, the olive has become a symbol of all that links the various peoples of the Mediterranean region. The olive and the olive tree are intrinsic part of the regional cultural, present in many tales and legends. It is the symbol of life, of hope, carried in the beak of the dove who came to Noah after the flood rains had ceased; it is a sign of peace as in the Greek myth where the gods squabble over possession of Athens. As the story goes, Poseidon created the horse for mankind and Athena, the olive. Zeus was called upon to arbitrate and declared Athena the winner: the horse was meant to serve in war and the olive, to serve in peace. Still today, the olive branch is a symbol of peace. On Palm Sunday in Italy, loyal Catholics carry an olive sprig into their homes as well as, or instead of a palm frond. Jesus spent his last hours in the olive grove of Getsemane, which can still be visited today. Prized are the olive twigs which crowned the heads of the winners of the first Olympic games in Greece, a practiced adapted by the Romans to honor marrying couples and citizens who had made great contributions to the country. The Wood     The Fruit back to: Main Page

Back to: