All About Olives, Its History and Symbolism

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Having hope means choosing a result that will change one way or another build up your life. It can make up a challenging situation more manageable but can eventually transform our lives, as it is influenced by the sight of a prosperous outlook.

Hope is a component of all life, whether we appreciate it or not. It is something, anything one hopes for. It is a natural attribute of an individual. Hope inspires us to distinguish what we wish for in our future and constructs a piece of our lives' character, which we all realize almost.

We are exploring ideas of optimism that will motivate us to attain excellent outcomes during the struggles and hurdles of life. The encouraging news is that specific indicators, artifacts, animals, and nature might be hopeful.

Know all about this “hope jewelry” and have a preview of fantastic options after reading the most prevalent and mainstream icons of hope through this article.

Realize by heart the secrets of Olives and how it has gotten the people's hearts through thousands of years.

Olives

Olive’s botanical name is "Olea europaea.” which means “European olive,” and it is a fairly small tree sited in much of the Middle East, Asia-Minor, and even into China.

Its Appearance

The Olive tree ranges from 3 to 12 meters (or more) with numerous branches. Olive leaves appear to be leathery and lance-shaped; on top of its leaves, it has dark-green color, while the underside sports a silvery hue and is paired opposite each other on its twig. Its fruit-bearing capability is often erratic. It can propagate through wind pollination.

Its Mythology, Legend, and Folklore

• In Greek mythology, Poseidon claimed possession of Attica when he drove his trident into the Acropolis. Then, it became a well of saltwater. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, chose not to retaliate; in its place, she peacefully made an Olive tree that grows on the next season- the spring. Poseidon challenged Athena, and the council has to decide between them who to be glorified in the city. The committee decided to give it to Athena since she had given the town its most incredible gift- the first Olive Tree with abundant fruits. The city then adopted the name- Athens, and the Olive Tree became a symbol of peace.
• King Xerxes of Ancient Persians ascertained the importance of Olives when his armies destroyed everything in Greece in 480 B.C., particularly the Acropolis (a place where a significant number of Olives were situated) was burned to the ground. Astoundingly, olive trees sprouted on the same day it was burnt out to about 1 meter in height. With this, seeds from the remnants of this sacred tree were replanted throughout Greece. The truth is that Olives are cultivated only from pruned branches and not by destroying the trees.
• Homer referred to olive oil as the “Liquid Gold,” while Hippocrates was using it as his “traditional medicine” in his treatment called it the “Great Healer.”
• The figurative painting of James Thornhill, Peace and Liberty Triumphing Over Tyranny, picturing King William III and Queen Mary as Queen Mary, hands an olive branch to William who hands the cap of liberty to Europe, where absolute monarchy prevails.

Its History and World Culture

The Olive branch has been utilized by several cultures, religions, political factions, and individuals to communicate- a rich heritage that dates back thousands of years. Read on, and let’s travel down memory lane.

• Ancient Romans adopted the olive branch as a symbol of peace. There are evident historical records of Roman generals holding an olive branch to plead for peace after being defeated in war. Apparently, olives can be seen on Roman Imperial coins.
• Another ancient historical record, the Bible in the Book of Geneses, mentioned the olive branch as a symbol of peace. On that account, when the dove was sent out from Noah's ark, it returned with an olive branch in its beak. This indicated that the floodwaters were receding, and God had made peace with mankind. Officially, by the 5th century, a dove with an olive branch became a recognized emblem of peace in Christianity; it was adopted  and can be seen through Christian art and medieval manuscripts.
• "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5

In Christianity, they perceived Jesus as the vine while we are the branches. Given that we can bear fruit when we take in the Lord but separately from Him, we can do nothing.  As such, the olive is an excellent manifestation of the peace that comes from the Lord.

• According to the Old Testament, it was used to anoint prophets and kings and lighten up the lamps in the House of God. That being so, olives then had a symbolic purpose of healing, cleansing, and nourishment.
• Written in the New Testament are the following assertions:
  • Jesus Christ was called “the Anointed One,” which translated as “anointed with olive oil.
  • Jesus mentioned the great Samaritan story of who used olive oil for healing.
  • Jesus went to Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where he taught his disciples the word of God.
  • Jesus kneeled and prayed under an olive tree after His Last Supper, and His crucifix on the Gethsamane were made from Olives,
• By the 7^th century, Arabs conquered Galilee and Golan, the olive industry then collapsed. The nomadic tribes of the Arabian peninsula destroyed many Olive trees, but after some time, they realized the fruits of the land and replanted Olives as many as possible.
• By the 16th and 17th centuries (Renaissance and Baroque Periods), poets used the olive branch to embody peace. Such as Giorgio Vasari in Sala dei Cento Giorni (a frescoed gallery in Rome) mentioned “peace” while holding an olive branch. Olives are also featured in the following: religious painting in Italy depicting a female figure carrying an olive branch called Chamber of Abraham (1548); in Naples, the Refectory of Monteoliveto (1545); in Vienna, Austria, Peace Bearing an Olive Branch (1545).
• During the American independence movement (1775), the olive branch played a political significance. On that account, the American Continental Congress validated the Olive Branch Petition as a reconciliation between the two parties: the colonies and Great Britain and the aspiration for a peaceful separation from Great Britain.
• Today, olives continue to bless us with the following discoveries and innovations:
  • Olive oils are used for herbal oil and cure for healing salves and lotions.
  • Olive leaf has been used for: its anti-microbial properties to stimulate the immune system and can cure influenza, rotavirus, and herpes; it supports anti-fungal attributes that can be used to treat Candida issues; it can alleviate high blood pressure;

What Do Olives Symbolize?

• A Symbol of Peace

Olives have been recognized as the symbol of peace dates to Ancient Greece. In fact, as part of our modern discourse, "to extend an olive branch means to take steps towards peace."

• A Symbol of Longevity and Growth

 Olives have a lifespan of 300 to 600 years, yet some existing olive trees are still more than 1,000 years in the Southern part of Greece. The Olive tree starts bearing fruit at the age of 7 and reaches its maturity age around 30 to 70. The oldest olive tree on Earth is on the Island of Valves, Crete, which was planted 3,000 years ago. In fact, it is still bearing fruit today, valued at an expensive price.

Modern research studies show that eating the fruit of Olive is a  sure thing to live healthier and longer.  We have seen advertisements encouraging us  to eat the most historic of fruits and its oil that  has been proven to inhibit ‘healthy fats ‘reducing your  cholesterol and lowering risk of heart diseases,

• A Symbol of Adaptability and Toughness

Olives, as mentioned, lived longer, but there’s more; it is tough and can withstand any condition. It has been found out that most of the places where Olives flourished are not very fertile, yet they always find a way to adapt to nature and survive. Outstanding, right? Olives can represent your ability to adapt to situations, whatever you are holed in and survive at all cost- because that is all that matters. Olives can signify your character, which is finding courage and doing everything- “Take risks and be willing to face life challenges.”

• A Symbol of Abundance

Olives are considered “fulfilling tree” as it bears good seeds and can continually grow to boost the productivity of the tree. Olives can signal that you are going to gain abundance in life or have something coming in your life abundantly. Also, it can signify your intent to have something “big in life.”

• “Wild Olive Tree”

Olive is a prolific tree that has many works. Truth be told, it was mentioned in the Bible that Olives was named the tree “most worthy of being called the king of trees.” 

Fun Facts about Olives

• The Great Seal of the United States, designed in 1776, features an eagle grasping an olive branch in its right talon.
• The United Nations’ flag showcases the olive branches to imply its commitment to peacekeeping.
• Holy Rosary beads are made of Olive (wood).
• Olive trees/wood can never be eaten by worms and can live for 1,000 years.
• Wild olive leaf fossils from the Greek island of Evia date back 23 million years. At Santorini, 37.000 to 50.000-year-old leaf fossils from the olive species Olea europaea have been discovered in the volcanic crater.
• The official emblem of Israel is a seven-branched candelabra decorated on both sides with olive branches mentioned in the book of Zechariah. Stated as “the two olive branches are light to the candelabra and symbolize two types of leaders of the people of Israel in ancient times: the high priest from the family of Aaron, and King David of the house of David.”.

Olives in Sterling Silver Jewelry

From the origin of wood to bearing fruit to oil extraction to medicinal benefits, Olive is indeed a remarkable blessing. We are so blessed with such “blessing.”

Now you can fathom why Olives has been an ideal motif in jewelry since ancient times with their physical elegance and grace coupled with a rich legacy and profound symbolism. What more can you ask for?

Imbued with insight, the obvious becomes remarkable. The simple leaf transformed from the essential natures of some to the intricate mesh of veins in others – has fascinated artists, including jewelry designers, for centuries. The modest leaf has blended into lasting splendor all through the jewelry history.

Our creative artisans had handcrafted series of nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry that can be adapted and stylized, giving you infinite possibilities. The ingenuity of our sterling silver jewelry (shown below) demonstrates no suggestion of our jeweler "resting on their laurels.”

Here are the stunning handmade sterling silver jewelry featuring Olives that you can gift since the olive branch signifies being at peace with oneself, serenity, moderation, confidence, and power. It is an ideal choice for someone going through challenging times or for those taking on board their life a new phase- a charming reminder to maintain a sense of peace at all times.

Morning Dew on the Olive Leaves Necklace

Our Morning Dew on the Olive Leaves Necklace portraits the elaborate design of olive leaves and dangles through the olive leaves is a pink zircon stone wrapped with pearl finishing. The pearl simulates a morning dew on the olive leaves in a beautiful morning as the sun shows how a piece of beautiful jewelry represents beautiful sunshine every morning. A selection of handcrafted nature-inspired jewelry will surely boost confidence and add glamour to every lady out there. Indeed, stunning sterling silver jewelry perfect to wear casually, formally, or going out to work on any occasion.

Olives Earring and Olives Pendant

Olives Earring

Olives Pendant

The Olives Earring and Olives Pendant are both handcrafted by our skilled artisans with love and passion, inspired by the olive branch's symbol of peace and abundance.

These nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry are made of sterling silver coupled with gold plating- the perfect fit for any occasion. Each one is a  unique handmade sterling silver jewelry that is a great conversational starter emphasizing your natural beauty!

Final Thoughts

Olives have been recognized and valued as a symbol of peace, bringing together many different people, beliefs, and values. It became so prevalent that it has come into the Modern English lexicon, extending an olive branch to indicate peaceful efforts to resolve conflicts.

These dainty nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry pieces are perfect gifts for any holiday, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's day, Weeding Anniversary, Christmas gift, birthday gift, graduation gift, and bridal gifts.

Worth mentioning, these handmade sterling silver jewelry pieces can be unique gifts for women, little girls, kids, teens, children, mom, daughter, grandma, girlfriend, wife, fiancée, friends, and bridesmaid. Have your adorable pick and have your precious Olive sterling silver jewelry delivered to your doorstep by checking our online store, Lotus Fun. Click add to cart and Voila – Secured convenient way of owning your very own Olive jewelry soon!