Olivier (bud)

The cultivated Olive is a small, stocky tree with a trunk that branches from the base. Its evergreen leaves are oblong-lanceolate, dark green above and silvery below, with a single prominent midrib.

It grows patiently and frugally, writhing in the blazing sun in poor, rocky soils all around the Mediterranean. It’s an immortal tree, symbolizing longevity, but also prosperity, as it bears fruit generously, offering its ovoid olives, purple to black when ripe, rich in a high quality oil, whose reputation is well established. It’s part of the Cretan diet, good for the arteries.

Watching it grow calmly and with dignity inspires wisdom and hope.

In Greek mythology, the olive tree was born of Athena’s will during a duel with Poseidon. She made it appear by proclaiming that the tree would remain green forever, nourishing and healing mankind. The people decided in favor of the olive tree as a gift to mankind. The city was named Athens and placed under the protection of the goddess of wisdom, reason and strategy.

From then on, the olive tree became a symbol of peace.