Many tattoo enthusiasts opt for floral tattoo designs featuring their favorite plant, flower or tree however not all of these are chosen for aesthetic reasons. There are many images that are selected as much for the profound symbolism behind them and an olive branch tattoo is one of these.
The leaves of the olive tree are a symbol of glory, abundance and peace and were used in Rome to crown victors in both bloody battles and friendly games. Wreaths made from olive leafs were also awarded to winners in the early Olympic games in ancient Greece and were also worn by brides. According to Greek mythology, Athene planted the first olive tree next to a well of sea water that gushed out when the sea god Poseidon thrust his trident into the Acropolis. However, the use of an olive branch as a symbol of peace can be traced back to the fifth century BC if not earlier. Therefore an olive branch tattoo design is more often than not associated with peace and is often matched with other images of a similar nature such as the dove which is regularly depicted holding a branch. Early Christian art also shows this combination and it is believed that the dove developed from the allegory of the Holy Spirit in the Gospels and is thus shown with the classical symbolism of an olive branch clutched in its beak.
The olive tree is actually one of the most significant and symbolic plants mentioned in the bible. The olive branch and the dove first appeared in the bible in the story of Noah’s Arkwhen the bird was sent out from the Arkto bring back news after the floods unleashed by the wrath of God. According to the Hebrew bible, “bringing us the peace of God, sent out from the heavens,” the dove returned with an olive branch clutched in its mouth. This was considered to be a sign indicating that God’s ire was over and that peace would be restored on earth. Thus the olive branch became established as a Christian symbol of peace. As modern body art, an olive branch tattoo is often accompanied by related images like the dove or the ark however it is not just associated solely with Christianity. In 1949, the artist Pablo Picasso popularized this as a 20th Century symbol for peace which was later adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
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