The olive tree and olive oil in the past
The symbolic and ritual role of the olive tree and olive oil
In ancient Greece, there was a close connection between gods and heroes and the olive tree. The olive tree is the symbol of goddess Athena following her victory over god Poseidon in their competition about who will win the city of Athens as a place of worship.
Characteristically, Hercules's truncheon was made of wild olive wood. Hercules himself transported and planted a wild olive tree in Olympia. It is worth mentioning that 'kotinos' was a wreath of wild olive branches with which Olympic game winners were rewarded.
Olive oil was a fundamental element in funerary rites as it was used to wash and rub the body of the deceased prior to cremation and burial.
In the Old Testament, there is a symbolic presence of the olive branch; the dove returns to Noah with an olive branch, which represents peace and salvation. In the New Testament, olive oil helps the five wise virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins and their meeting with the Bridegroom.
