"The Olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven."
(Thomas Jefferson)

The Olive Tree is in many ways the gifts of God to mankind. First of all God has gifted this tree with long life ( 300 to 400 years ) but there are olive trees alive today that are 2000 years old. Fossilized remains of olive trees ancestors have been found near Livorno, Italy, dating back to 200 millions years ago. God has gifted the Olive Tree with endurance. Italian folklore indicates that sun, stone, draught, silence and solitude make up the ideal habitat of the Olive Tree.

According to mythology, the olive tree was given to Greece by the goddess Athena.
"In ancient Greece the Olive tree became a symbol of peace, wisdom and triumph. An olive wreath was made and used to crown the Olympic champions." (web page: olive oil history)

Homer called Olive Oil liquid gold and indeed it is of great value for the health and maintenance of the human body. People of the Mediterranean region have sensed its benefits for thousand of years by observing its effects and now science confirms many of those effects. Olive oil lowers blood cholesterol, blood pressure and the process of aging. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds which work against arthritis and this oil shields the body against infection and helps heal tissues both internal and external. A lower rate of cancer has been observed where olive oil is used. When all is said and done it is the best oil for human use and after bread, one of the greatest gifts of God.

From Web pages: <Olive Oil & History> <Olive Oil & Health> and <Peak of Health: Olive Oil>

Oil as Sacred Sign