The olive tree is a powerful symbol with a long history. There are many myths attached to it. It shows how deeply connected people have always been to nature.
Let's explore the amazing stories and meanings linked to this old tree. Let's see, why it's important in different cultures and times.
Myths About the Olive Tree
The olive tree has been a significant symbol since ancient times, known for representing peace, victory, honor, and unity. There are many myths attached to it as well.
The Gift of Athena
In Greek myths, the olive tree is connected with Athena, the goddess known for her wisdom. There's a well-known story about a competition between Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea. They were both trying to become the special guardian god of Athens. Athena offered the people of Athens an olive tree as her gift. This olive tree represented peace and wealth. The people of Athens liked Athena's gift so much that they chose her as their guardian. This story shows how important the olive tree was in old Greek culture, as it stood for wisdom, peace, and plenty.
Sign of Peace
The olive branch is used as a symbol of peace mainly due to its historical and cultural significance. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was seen as a sign of peace and surrender, especially during wars. For example, in Rome, those who were defeated would hold an olive branch to show they wanted peace. In Christian stories, like Noah's flood, a dove brought back an olive branch to show that the flood was over and it was safe again, symbolizing the end of God's anger and the return of peace. Also, olive trees grow slowly and aren't usually grown in wartime, adding to the idea that they represent peace.
Olive Tree and Olympic Games
It also held a special place in the Olympic Games, where an olive branch was the prized award for champions, carrying great value and importance.
The Olympic Games started in 776 BC in ancient Olympia, Greece, in honor of the god Zeus. During this time, even if Greece was in the middle of civil wars, there was a sacred truce so athletes and visitors could travel safely to the games. Initially, the winners of the games received a sacred apple. However, after a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi, the prize changed to a wreath made from a wild olive tree, known as “kotinos”.
This particular olive tree, used for making the "kotinos", was called “Kallistefanos” and was found in the Sacred Grove. The process of making the wreath was unique - a young boy, whose both parents were alive, would cut 17 or 18 branches from the tree with golden scissors. The number of branches represented the number of sports in the Olympics. The athletes were officially recognized as winners only after being crowned with this olive wreath by the "Hellanodikai", who were the judges of the Olympic Games.
The olive wreath was highly valued because it was believed that winners crowned with it acquired divine qualities, elevating them to a status almost equal to the gods. This belief was so strong that Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, was often depicted wearing the same wild olive wreath as the mortal winners of the Olympics.
Thus, the olive tree was more than just a part of the Olympic prize; it symbolized the highest honor and unity among the champions, intertwining with their achievements and glory.