Why are olive trees important in Greece?
An olive branch was used as a symbol of peace whenever the Greeks entered into truce with their enemies and was the awarded to any athlete who won at the Olympics. The symbol of the olive tree has very deep roots in Greek tradition; it symbolizes wealth, health, beauty, wisdom and abundance.
What does the olive tree represent in Greece?
The Olive Branch: a Symbol of Pace (Peace) The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology. Myth tells us that Zeus held a contest between Poseidon and Athena for control over Athens, asking both to make an offering.
Which Greek god is associated with olive tree?
goddess Athena
The olive tree is revered in Greek mythology, which credits the goddess Athena, daughter of supreme god Zeus, for bringing it to the city of Athens. According to legend — recounted in Segan’s book — whichever god gave the people of Greece the most esteemed gift would earn the right to name their most important city.
What is a Greek olive called?
The Kalamata olive is a large, dark brown olive with a smooth, meaty texture, named after the city of Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese, Greece.
What is so special about an olive tree?
Olive Trees Are Extremely Resistant Trees Because olive tree growth rate is very slow, it’s wood is extremely dense and tightly grained. Therefore olive tree wood is very hard and dry, and the trees themselves are long-lasting and grow for thousands of years.
Why is Athena’s sacred plant an olive tree?
Poseidon went first and raised his trident, smashing it on a rock of the Acropolis, thus, producing salt water. Athena went second and offered an olive tree, a gift the citizens of Athens deemed useful and beautiful; therefore, she became the patron of the city, which was named after her.
Did Athena create the olive tree?
According to Greek mythology, the creation of the olive tree was the result of a contest between Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, and Poseidon, God of the Sea, as to who would become the protector of a newly built city in Attica (the historical region of Greece).
What is the difference between green olives and Kalamata olives?
Harvest & Cultivation For example, olives that are being processed as Green olives will be picked when they have reached full size but are still green. Olives that are left on the tree longer will grow darker or more purple in color, such as the Kalamata.
What do Greek olives taste like?
Kalamata olives have rich, fruity taste; black olives – saltier. When they are first harvested, both fresh Kalamata olives and black olives have a somewhat bitter flavor to them that very few people would enjoy, but through their different curing processes, they develop two very unique flavors.
How old is Athena’s olive tree?
2,500 years ago
Atop the Acropolis of Athens stands an olive tree that is a symbol of hundreds of years of dedication and reverence. Although this is not the ’original’ tree honoured by pious Athenians over 2,500 years ago, it nonetheless stands in roughly the same spot as the original.