One tree.
Thousands of stories.

The olive tree is a symbol of peace between people and a symbol of human activity in harmony with nature. That is why UNESCO proclaimed 26 November World Olive Tree Day, calling on everyone concerned to mark the date with initiatives linked to olive heritage. A wreath of olive branches is printed on the flag of the United Nations. In this way the UN recovers and renews the symbolism of the olive tree, which has served as a spiritual landmark for peoples since the dawn of civilisation.

The olive tree and the virtuous juice of its fruit — olive oil — have taken on, since the dawn of human societies, a sacred character and a symbolism of salvation, and they are also central elements of the founding myths of Athens and Rome, giving identity and ritual meaning to many cultures.

Ancient Egypt: The olive tree and olive oil were essential for healing and purification, acting both in life and in the afterlife.

Founding myth of Athens: Athena defeats Poseidon by offering the city an olive tree, a symbol of peace and wisdom.

Myth of the founding of Rome: The she-wolf who cared for Romulus and Remus fed them in the shade of an olive tree, foretelling the resilience of the future city.

In both versions of the “original sacred book” — the Hebrew Torah and the Christian Old Testament — as well as in the Quran, the olive tree is presented as a sacred tree, and olive oil is the main oil used in liturgical practice.

Especially striking is the image of the dove with an olive leaf in its beak, a symbol of the New Covenant that God made with humanity through Noah (Genesis 8:11). Equally notable is the miracle of the oil lamp that stayed alight for eight days in the Temple until there was enough pure oil — the episode at the origin of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.

The symbolism of the olive tree, rooted in myths and sacred texts, also extended into social life in Antiquity. The olive wreath, made from branches of the wild olive trees of Olympia, became one of the most prestigious symbols of victory and honour, awarded to the winners of the Ancient Olympic Games.