Olive’s Many Gifts

 The olive reminds us to have  hope, healing and to embrace peace. 
May 2025 be abundant with these blessings. 

​​Olea europaea

​Olea europaea means European Olive, and is associated with peace. 
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planet: Sun

​The olive is an evergreen native to the Mediterranean. Olives and olive oil are associated with Mediterranean cuisine. Greeks use the most olive oil per capita followed by Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Portugal, Syria, Joran and Lebanon. I’m fairly confident my  annual  consumption is equivalent to the Greeks per capita at 24 liters (6.3 U.S. gallons). 

​In addition to its culinary contributions,  the olive has powers to protect, heal, increase fertility, hope and peace. 

Hanging an olive branch over your doorway will prevent evil  spirits from entering and provide protection. Volumes have been written about the health benefits of olive oil. Brides in Greece wore wreaths of olive leaves to ensure fertility and eating the olives was also  said to be helpful.  

Noah  released a dove  after the flood  and  it returned to the ark, carrying a freshly plucked olive branch, which  symbolized hope, an indication of dry land after a flood. 
​
​Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations used the olive branch to represent peace following battles. When the losing side admitted defeat, they presented the olive branch to indicate their readiness to surrender. Eirene (Irene), the goddess of peace in Ancient Greece, was fond of the olive.