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Olive Tree

 

The Hebrew word for olive tree is “shemen”, which literally means “tree with oil”, in the sense that it glows. Therefore, it is associated with wealth, anointment, fat, fertility, also brilliance and the sun. Ancient Hebrews considered it one of the most precious trees and first mentioned it in the Bible, when a dove returns to Noah’s ark with a leaf from the olive tree, which became a symbol of peace.

The USA seal carries a picture of an olive branch with 13 leaves and 13 olives for the country was formed with 13 colonies, and the Americans were mostly descendants of Ephraim.

OLIVE TREE AND OLIVE OIL ORIGINATE IN GREECE

What do the Greek legends say about the olive tree and its fruit?

Poseidon, god of the seas and Zeus’ brother, longed for earthly kingdoms and claimed Attica as his own, driving his trident into the Athenian Acropolis, which became a well of salt water. Later, goddess Athena came to the city, and took it under her protection, in the presence of the first king. She did so in a very peaceful way, carrying an olive branch. The angry Poseidon challenged Athena, however, Zeus interfered, ordering the divine tribunal to decide who will become the city’s protector. The tribunal listened to the testimonies carefully and sided with Athena for she gave the city the greatest gift – the olive branch.

Ever since, in Greece, the olive branch symbolizes victory, peace and welfare, resistance and hope; during the great fire in Athens in the 5th century, the olive tree sprouted a branch on top of the burned city, and became a symbol of recovery and renewal for Athenians in the face of adversity.

Fertility is another envious trait of the olive tree: Athena being the goddess of fertility and her trademark the olive tree, one of the most cultivated and widely spread trees in Greece. Families that wished to improve the fertility of their land, were meant to look into the tree and offer Dyonisus flowers, fruit and olive branches.

Sport is another indication of how important the olive tree is in the history of Greece; athletes anointed their bodies with olive oil at the Olympic games, and the winners were crowned with olive leaves. Olive oil was used as fuel to the Olympic fire and in temple lights, to sacrifice or anoint priests and kings; it served as a base for medication, ointments, cosmetics in general and, of course, cooking.

OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL FOR MAGICAL PURPOSES:
– draw a pentagram with olive oil around the element you wish to protect;
– wear olive leaves for good luck;
– place a bag of olive leaves or an olive wreath above the door or in the chimney to ward of evil spirits or lightning strikes;
– after cleaning your house, wash olive leaves in rainwater and place them in the corners of your home to ensure a peaceful and blesses household;
– wear an olive wreath to ensure fertility;
– write “Athena” on an olive leaf and press it against your forehead to heal a headache.

OLIVE OIL FOR HEALING AND COSMETIC PURPOSES
Fruit from the olive tree reduces blood cholesterol level, regulates blood pressure, is an excellent source of vitamin E, functions as an antioxidant, protects the cells, reduces symptoms of degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, benign and malignant tumours; prevents blood clogs from developing, protects cell membranes from diseases, like cancer; is an excellent protection against anaemia, improves fertility, contributes to the maintenance of a healthy immune system and is a great aphrodisiac.
It is decorated with a rich and nourishing content of minerals (sodium, iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus), vitamins, amino acids, oleic acids, which protect the heart and the vascular system and maintain the skin soft and healthy; polyphenols, which reduce stress in the brain.

Olive oil for the skin

Olive oil has many antioxidant properties, absorbs UV-radiation, helps repair cells and prevent their damage. Linoleic acid is an ingredient in olive oil, which is not produced in the body naturally, however, prevents the skin from drying. Antioxidants (including vitamins A and E) eliminate skin damage and stimulate regeneration, slow the ageing process, and reduce wrinkles, making the skin smooth and flexible.

 

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