Olive branch
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Olive branch is a colloquial term referring to a concession or a gesture of peace, as well as a peace symbol. Deriving from its origins in Ancient Greece as a symbol of peace and prosperity, the olive branch is used throughout many western cultures to convey the idea of peace. In Ancient Rome, the defeated carried olive branches in order to seek peace. There is some speculations as to why the olive branch came to symbolize peace. Some explanations center around the idea that olive trees take a very long time to bear fruit. Thus the cultivation of olives is something that is generally impossible in time of war.
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[edit] Ancient Greece
In greek mythology, Zeus bestowed the newly created city of Athens to the god providing the most useful gift to humanity. Poseidon offered a war chariot with a fully equip war horse. Athena offered the olive tree.[1]
Olive wreaths were also given to olympic victors. [2]
[edit] Christianity and Judaism
In Christianity and Judaism, a white dove carrying an olive branch is a sign for peace. This comes from the Old Testament: a dove was supposedly released by Noah after the Great Flood in order to find land. The dove came back carrying an olive branch in its beak, telling Noah that the Great Flood had receded and there was land once again for Man.[3]
This symbolized that God was ending his "war" with mankind. The appearance of the rainbow [4] at the end of the Flood story also represents peace, whereby God directs His "bow" toward Himself, an ancient symbol of a cessation of hostilities. The motif can also represent "hope for peace" and even a peace offering from one man to another, as in the phrase "extend an olive branch". Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to remind the viewer of its role as messenger.
[edit] Modern usage
Olive branches are used throughout modern and classical works to represent peace. The eagle on the Great Seal of the United States grasps with its right talon an olive branch containing 13 olives and leaves[5], while the flags of many nations (including the seal of the United Nations) feature olive branches in their design. Also used in many police patches and badges across the world to signify peace.
[edit] Other uses
Several towns have been named Olive Branch as a symbol of peaceful living, such as Olive Branch, Mississippi.
[edit] See also
