History and Importance of Olives and Olive Wood

Many sites offer olive wood carvings directly from the Holy Land of Jerusalem such as wooden crosses, nativity sets, or home decor. Olive wood is a deep amber color, very dense and fine-grained wood, often polished to a rich sheen. Not only is olive wood tied to the Bible and several religions, it has a rich history making it a very important wood to ancient civilizations as well as the modern world. This article explores the history of olive wood and its significance.

First of all, olives and olive wood are mentioned in several spiritual works, including over 30 times in the Bible and praised as a valuable fruit in the Koran. The olive tree is symbolic of abundance and joy, such as in Psalms 52:8 where the Psalmist speaks of a man "like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." In the Bible, from the arc Noah sent out a dove which returned an olive branch (Gen. 8:11). Later in the New Testament, the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem is mentioned many times. In addition, the book of Jacob compares the Israelites and gentiles to tame and wild olive trees.

However, olives and/or olive wood trees also influenced other cultures. The Greeks, for example, anointed kings and athletes with olive oil. The olive tree is mentioned in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. Athenian coinage portrayed an olive, due to Athena finding it sacred. Horace, the Roman poet, mention eating olives in his diet.

The leafy branches of the olive tree were used to crown the victors of friendly games and bloody wars. They were also ritually offered to deities and powerful figures. Some olive wood branches were even found in Tutankhamen's tomb. Olive oil was used in the sacred lamps of temples as well as being the "eternal flame" of the original Olympic Games.

Olives and olive oil were used in common ways as a daily staple of life, much like butter, margarine, and vegetable oil work today. It was used in ancient days to fry foods, season them, and give them moisture. People would make bread with olive oil, and also dip the bread in it when eating.

As a balm for wounds, olive oil helped to heal and was often used during surgery. It would be mixed with other ingredients to create ointments, hair tonics, and soaps.

Today, in fact, olive oil is associated with healthy eating due to the Omega 3's it provides. Olive wood carvings make up a multitude of home decor, including nativity sets, ink pens, and statues. Olive oil is still continued to be used in many religious ceremonies.

Have you had any interactions with olives, olive oil, or olive wood? If you have, please leave a comment.

Sources:
All Things in the Bible
Wikipedia - Olive