Greek Olive Tree

History: The olive tree is of great historic importance. Genetic and archaeological studies indicate that the original center of olive cultivation was Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus and Crete. Olive tree cultivation was spread from Palestine to Greece, Italy and to other Mediterranean countries around 600 B.C. The olive tree was probably introduced to Spain by the Greeks, the Romans and the Arabs. That is indicated by the use in Spain of both Greco-roman and Arabic words associated with olives. The olive fruit, for instance, is called "aceituna" and the olive oil "aceite" which are Arabic words, while the tree is called "olive" which is Latin from the Greek "elea".

Ancient Greeks protected olive trees by legislation. Solon had passed special laws for the olive tree. It is believed that the god for farming and animal raising, Aristeos, invented the cultivation of the olive tree and the olive oil mill. Archeologists believe that the wealth of the Minoic Kingdom in ancient Greece was related to the successful trade of the Cretan olive oil. Hoge clay containers, used for the storage of olive oil, can be found even today in ancient Knossos, Phestos and in other places in Crete. The olive oil played an important role in areas such as diet, religion, and the decoration of pottery, of walls and of gold pieces of art.

Records show that the Egyptians cultivated the olive in the seventeenth century BC. On the islands of the Aegean, Santorini and Nisyos, fossilized olive tree leaves aged fifty to sixty thousands years old were discovered recently!

An olive tree growns in the ruins, Greece.

Athena with Poseidon

Mythology: According to Homer, the olive tree has been thriving in Greece for over 10,000 years. Homer extolled "the unctuous oil" with which his heroes were anointed after bathing. Plato praised the oil as it "succoured pain", giving rest to pain and fatigue. Oil was considered sacred and according to Solon's law, anyone who uprooted or destroyed an olive tree, was judged in court and if found guilty, was sentenced to death. According to Greek Mythology, Hercules is said to have carried some branches of the tree to Greece on his travels. In several Greek myths, women and men are frequently transformed into trees: Atys into a pine tree, Smilax into a yew, and Daphne into the laurel, which was sacred to god Apollo.

For the Ancient Greeks, the olive tree was a symbol of peace, wisdom and triumph. An olive wreath was made, and used to crown the Olympic champions. Indicative for the significance of the olive tree to the Athenians is the fact that there coins portrayed Goddess Athena with an Olive wreath on her helmet and an amphorae with olive oil. Olive symbolizes peace and security. Poseidon and Athena disputed over who should name the city of Athens. The gods decided that the one who could give the best gift to mankind should have the privilege. Poseidon struck the shore with his trident and a horse sprang forth. But Athena (Minerva), struck the ground with her weapon and yeilded an olive tree. The goddess triumphed, for it was judged that peace, the symbol of the olive. Athene, the goddess for which Athens was named, is said to have won this right by placing the world's first olive tree on the Acropolis in Athens. Even today, an olive tree stands where the legend took place. It is said that all the olive trees in Athens were descended from that first olive tree offered by Athena. Plato's Olive Tree on Holly street (Iera odos) in Athens still exists.

Olive oil was widely used also as a cosmetic, Hera, the wife of Zeus, never failed to use it in her attempts to seduce him. Homer said that Odysseus made his bridal bed out of an olive tree. And when children went to bed at night, the candle wick burning on virgin olive oil was more that just a light to help them sleep, its soothing presence was the symbol of a guardian flame.

Among Aristotle's works, the "Athenaeon Politeia" also shows the significance of olive oil in ancient greek life. For the ancient Greeks, the olive tree represented, among other things, power and peace: Power because of its longevity and its ability to flourish on the most barren terrain. And it represented peace, possibly because of its solitary tranquility. For this reason, the winners of the ancient Olympic Games, who represented the same ideals of strength and peace, were awarded the "kotynos" ~ a wreath made from a branch of wild olive. The ambassadors of peace as well, in order to indicate their intentions, offer an olive branch to their interlocutors."

Religion Beliefs and Symbolism: The ancient Greeks polished the statue of Zeus with olive oil. That, they believed would bring it a long and happy life. The olive and its oil are closely connected with almost all the monotheistic religions and held a special position in Christinatiy and in particular in the Orthodox religion. The olive tree is well known from the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the use of oil in the mysteries and ceremonies. It was a symbol of love, peace and security. An essential part of several solemn rites, from the service of Baptism to the oil lamps used for the lighting of the churches and the little shrine that is part of every Greek household. The dove that returned to Noah's Ark after the flood with the olive branch in its beak is a multiple symbol of peace, security and hope of prosperity. Today olives are the trees which decorate the grounds of many chapels in Greece and elsewhere…

The greatest religious significance of olive oil is documented in the Book of Exodus, where the Lord tells Moses how to make an anointing oil of spices and olive oil. During consecration, holy anointing oil was poured over the heads of kings and priests.

The Bible refers to the olive tree as the "king of trees" and the "tree of life." The olive was venerated by the Greeks and the Romans and spread throughout their empires. The olive is often mentioned in mythology and the Bible.

Olive branches, leaves, and wood gained sacred connotations in both Testaments of the Bible, like the dove's return to Noah's Ark with an olive leaf in its beak. Oil figured in the anointing of athletes, rulers, and religious authorities and was used as lamp oil by most ancient civilizations on the Mediterranean rim. It was olive oil that burned on empty for eight days in the Hebrews' eternal flame during the miracle celebrated as Hanukkah. The olive's fragrant wood was reserved exclusively for altars to the gods, and all of these uses helped make the olive a symbol of peace.

In the Christian religion, olive oil is one of the three blessed products: Wine, Wheat and Olive Oil. Bread supports and strengthens the heart, wine lightens the spirit and the oil relaxes the body.

Anointing with Olive Oil: God commands Moses to prepare the "holy anointing oil". This he proceeded to do mixing olive oil with myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus and cassia in order to anoint the offering (Exodus, 30:22-25). In Psalm 44:8 , God's use of oil is a special blessing in reward for virtue: "I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him".

Christ issued the Commission and exhortation to his followers: "Go ye therefore and teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19-20). This institutes the first sacrament or mystery of our Faith, that of the holy Baptism, and marks our entrance into the Christian life and society. Thus the holy Baptism marks the start of the path that will familiarize us with God, will rid us of original sin and all sins committed prior to baptism and forms the gateway to eternal life and heavenly legacy.

Amongst the material elements of the Baptism sacrament are water and oil. The cleansing qualities of water against bodily dirt are known to all. This same water, "by the Grace of God" and by the descent of the Holy Spirit cleanses the soul of dirt, cleansing of sin, as it was initially specially consecrated with grace and divine power by the use of special blessings, and the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The oil, which is carried by the godparent, is first thrice blown upon by the priest, (who represents Christ, imbuing in the individual who is baptised with a new life in Christ) rekindling the first breath of God on the fact of Adam at the moment of creation. The oil is blessed with the sign of the cross and the "mystical oil or oil of covenant or oil of gladness" as it is called into the sacred baptismal font, the celebrant chants Hallelujah, which in Hebrew means praise to the lord and descent and dissemination of divine grace.

The same oil is also used by the celebrant to anoint the candidate for baptism on the forehead, to bless his mind, on the chest and between the shoulder blades, to bless his heart and his life, on the ears, to strengthen his hearing of the divine words, on the mouth, in order to confess the truth, on the hands, so as to work in virtue, on the feet to run on the straight road of virtue. Then the body of the candidate for baptism is rubbed all with the sanctified oil.

First the neophyte is anointed on the forehead (the celebrant intones "the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen."), in order to rid him of the stain of the original sin or other sin and to see with a clear and luminous face the glory of God.

Second, the neophyte's ears are anointed that he may listen to the words of the Holy Mysteries.

Third, on the nose, that he may smell the sweet scent of the faith and may himself form "a pleasant scent welcome to the Lord".

Fourth, on the chest, that he may wear the chest-plate of the faith and can withstand the machinations of the devil.

Alternatively, a focal point could be arranged and each symbol brought forward and placed there with a few words of explanation of some of the things they represent:

• Water: cleanses and refreshes. The Samaritan woman found Jesus at a well and gave him water. In return he showed himself to be the living water - the wellspring of life - giving his life so that we could be immersed in it and be reborn to eternal life.
  
• Oil: anointed - chosen - healed.
  
• Candle: light - enlightenment - warmth. Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man so that he could see the light of day. Yet even without sight, the blind man's mind was enlightened - he saw the light of Christ with his heart and his soul when all around him did not.
• White Garment: purity - dignity. Jesus was transfigured and his clothing became as white as light. When we are clothed in white, we catch a glimpse of the glory for which we are destined.

• Name: we are called individually - by the name written on the palm of God's hand.
  

Medicine and Uses: Greek physicians used olive oil to heal wounds and cure many ailments including insomnia, nausea, cholera and ulcers. They also claimed that olive oil slowed the ageing processes. The ancient Greeks rubbed olive oil into their skin as a beauty aid to soften and moisten the skin and into their hair and scalp to maintain healthy and shiny hair.

The Greek philosopher Democritus believed a man could live to be 100 on a diet of honey and olive oil. The Greeks bathed their bodies in olive oil to preserve their beauty. Greek soldiers rubbed olive oil over their bodies to keep themselves warm. As recently as 30 years ago, olive oil was kept behind the counter at the chemist's along with other such delights as kaolin, morphine, and syrup of figs. Warmed olive oil was regarded as a useful weapon aginst ear wax.

The olive leaves are astringent and antiseptic. Internally, a decoction of 2 handsful boiled in a quart of water until reduced to half a pint has been used in the Levant in obstinate fevers. Both leaves and bark have valuable febrifugal qualities. Internally, it is a laxative and disperser of acids, and a mechanical antidote to irritant poisons. It is often used in enemas.

Nutrition and Health: The therapeutic properties of the olive oil were known to Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The consumption of a spoonful of oil was common practice for many people and still is for some, despite the advancement of pharmacology. Today modern medicine is constantly confirming the beneficial properties of olive oil for cardiovascular conditions, for various forms of cancers, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and nutrition for children and the elderly.

Three things make olive oil superior to vegetable oils: taste, nutrition and integrity. A tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat, and no cholesterol. 77% of the fat in olive oil is monounsaturated and 9% is polyunsaturated fat, 14% is vegetable-derived saturated fat. Virgin olive oils also contain the antioxidants beta-carotene and Vitamin E, as well as the phenolic compounds tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Because of the monounsaturated oleic acid it contains, controls the cholesterol in the blood by improving the level of the lipoprotein HDL, and as a result the metabolism of cholesterol, which is a major factor in heart disease.

Olive oil produces many health benefits when used in cooking or when poured over salads. The use of olive oil can improve digestion and can benefit heart metabolism through its low content of cholesterol. Experts claim that olive oil consumption will cause a person to grow shiny hair, prevent dandruff, prevent wrinkles, prevent dry skin and acne, strengthen nails, stop muscle aching, lower blood pressure and cancel out the effects of alcohol.

Cultivation: The Mediterranean area and other places with Mediterranean climates such as Texas, Arizona, and California are good places to grow olives. Olive trees can grow in nutrient-poor, but well-drained soils. It needs full sun for fruit production but also needs a slight winter chill for the fruit to set. Temperatures below 15°F will kill a young tree. In the Mediterranean the olive fruit fly and the Mediterranean fruit fly are it main pests.

The olive tree is an evergreen tree with gray-green leaves, and small white fragrant flowers in the spring which produce a lot of pollen. A young olive tree has smooth gray bark, but as it gets older it gets very gnarled. A mature tree can reach a height of 25 to 30 feet, and live for hundreds of years. Some have even lived to be a thousand years. Olives are brought to a mill as soon as they are picked to keep down oxidation and acidity. The third-largest olive oil producing country in the world is Greece, after Spain and Italy, with its annual production about 430,000 tonnes, Greece has the highest per capita consumption at 23 kg per person per year. Producers here tell you with pride that it is the largest producer of extra virgin olive oil, and year after year over 80 per cent of its crop is classified as top quality extra virgin olive oil.The average annual domestic olive oil consumption of Greeks is estimated to be around 170,000 tons. The largest part of that (42%) relates to personal consumption (Greeks consume more olive oil per capita than any other people in the world at almost 23 kilos annually!). Greece is the biggest exporter of Extra Pure Olive Oil considered the best quality of olive oil.

There are countless factors contributing to the special qualities of Greek olive oil. Special climate and soil conditions, the purifying and vivifying properties of the greek sun, harvesting at the precise moment when the olives are most suitable for pressing, gathering the olives right from the tree before they fall to the ground and deteriorate and processing them as soon as they are harvested without any chemical additives whatsoever. All these factors together result in pure olive oil with very fine qualities, considered by many as the best in the entire world.

Greeks Love Olive Oil because: Homer called the oil "liquid gold" in the Odyssey; and it was under the shade of the olive tree that philosophers like Plato and Aristotle debated the meaning of life. But crossing over from Homer or Aristotle's era to modern Greece, a visitor to this land is bound to be overwhelmed by the kind of love, passion, reverence and awe that the Greeks have for the olive tree… it's almost a romance.

In Greece, even today, a common blessing for married couples is: "May you always have bread and wine and olive oil in your house."

The national poet of Greece, Odysseas Elytis, wrote a poem claiming that "If you deconstruct Greece, you will find it is composed of an olive tree, a vine and a ship, which means that Greece can be recreated out of these three".

Greek Cuisine: In the Greek kitchen olive oil plays a dominating role. There is practically no dish, which is not served with olive oil. Even today in daily life Greeks prefer a vegetarian diet with beans and other pulses, greens, vegetables and grains, cheese, pasta and potatoes. Meat dishes are reserved for special events, when they host guests or go out for dinner together with friends and family.

Salads are drowned in olive oil, so are fresh feta cheese and vegetables. Dipping bread into the juicy mixture of oil and tomato juice at the bottom of the salad bowl is a delicacy no one should miss when visiting Greece.

Sport: Both the olive tree and its oil are closely connected with sport and have been from ancient times to the present day. In the Olympic Games the winners were crowned with a wreath from the branches of the wild olive which had been brought to Olympia by Hercules but athletes also rubbed and cleaned their bodies with oil before and after the games. Also during the later Panathenaic Games the winner's prize consisted of a number of amphorae full of oil whose value was not inconsiderable.

Decoration: Moreover, in many parts of Greece today, and in particular Crete, olive trees are the decorative plants whose white and green color are used to decorate the surroundings of villages, rural houses and modern country homes. This is no chance thing since the olive tree is tied into the psychology of the residents of these areas and with the external environment which is usually dominated by olive plantations.

The olive tree was historically a "peace and goodwill" symbol, and when the olive trees were leveled near the city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the "Cradle of Biblical History," that elimination of olive trees seemed like a deliberate provocation to end the "peace" with the Palestinian settlers and farmers.

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Article written by Founder of Portara