Tree of the Week: July 30th, 2024
In honor of the Olympic game starting this week, ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Olive Tree (Olea europaea). The olive tree since ancient times is an integral symbol of Peace, Victory, Honor and Unity. Also it became a symbol of the Olympic ideal, as an olive branch was the only prize for the Olympic champions when the games originated.The institution of the Olympic Games began in 776 BC in ancient Olympia in honor of god Zeus, in a time the Greece disrupted by civil wars, sacred truce was in force to enable athletes and pilgrims arrive safely. Olive tree that was used as “kotinos” was called “Kallistefanos” and was in the Sacred Grove. A small boy, whom both parents were alive, cut with gold scissors 17 branches (later 18) as the number of Olympic sports. No one athlete could declare his victory until crowned by “Hellanodikai”, the judges of Olympic Games. The crown with the olive branch had special value because there was the theory that the winners that were crowned with it acquired the divine qualities, and exalted at the same level with the gods. Indeed Zeus inside the church was crowned with the same wild olive wreath as the mortal winners.
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