925 Sterling Silver Olive Branch Necklace Earrings Set

The olive tree has important meanings.

• It is a symbol of tenacity thanks to its resistance. In fact, it can resist even in particularly difficult atmospheric conditions, both drought and cold. Sometimes it even survives fires. It is an indestructible plant, if the trunk is cut, new buds always grow.
• It is a symbol of eternity thanks to its longevity : even without pesticides, you live millennia.
• It is a symbol of life and the ability to defeat adversity , thanks to its ability to be reborn after being knocked down. Centennial olive trees can be uprooted and transplanted, but they always attack. A sort of apparent death and rebirth.
• It is a symbol of immortality . It puts in contact with the source of the energy to make possible a new cycle at the end of the previous one. The Gospels tell of Jesus, who on the eve of the crucifixion (therefore at the end of his journey), takes refuge in Gethsemane, an olive grove near Jerusalem, waiting to cross death to go towards the resurrection.
• It is the symbol of sacredness, peace and forgiveness . The dove brings to Noah the branch of an olive tree to indicate the end of the universal flood (therefore a truce between God and man) and the return of tranquility and peace on earth.
• It is the symbol of patience . Observing it transmits peace, tranquility and serenity.
• It is the symbol of prosperity that comes from peace.
• And, finally, it is the symbol of sacred unions.

Between history and legend

There are many legends around this sacred plant. Tradition common to various ancient peoples is that the olive tree is a gift from the gods , and perhaps for this reason, the oil played such an important role in the sacred rites of all the religions of the Mediterranean area, from the Jewish one to Egypt. , up to the Greeks, Celts and Romans.

In Greece the legend tells that the olive tree was given to men by the goddess Athena, very skilled in warfare, but also very wise. Athena was the goddess of reason, art, literature, philosophy, commerce and industry. She was practically the personification of wisdom and wisdom in all fields of known sciences, and she also taught women to weave, dye and embroider. In short, a great good character.

There was a challenge between Athena and Poseidon for the assignment of a city. To meet the challenge, both had to offer a gift to humanity. Whoever offered the most useful gift won the challenge. Poseidon gave the horse (symbol of war strength and courage) , Athena gave the olive tree ( symbol of prosperity that comes from peace ). Thus the capital of Attica was called Athens, in honor of the divinity who had won the challenge, offering the best gift.

Even the Romans had many beliefs about this plant:

• legend has it that the divine twins Romulus and Remus were born under an olive tree;
• the olive branches were used in funeral decorations;
• they buried the dead with an olive branch, symbolizing the overcoming of the trials of life;
• in Pompeii olive oil was used to wash hair.
• during paganism the olive tree was dedicated to Minerva (the Roman goddess corresponding to Athena in Greece) and Jupiter.

In the Olympic Games, both the Greeks and the Romans rewarded the winners with a laurel wreath and olive branches.

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