A Symbol of Peace

Hello Friends,

What we have here is an olive branch, or at least an olive twig. Nope, no olive trees growing in my yard. This was plucked not from a tree, but from a can of sliced black olives. It was well preserved and flexible, almost as if it was just picked instead of having gone through the canning process.

I placed it along side hubby's salad, explaining that it was an olive branch that was in the can. Now oftentimes you find bits of stem from green beans or other canned produce, but this was definitely a first. He wondered if perhaps it had been put in there intentionally. My thought is no, but it is a nice idea as the olive branch has long been a symbol of peace.

In the Genesis, Noah sent forth a dove to see if the waters had dried up upon the land. The second time the dove went out, she came back with an olive leaf. She was released a third time a week later and did not return. The olive leaf represented the peace of God sent out from the heavens.

Also, from the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were often depicted in early Christian art with a dove and olive branch. These were the three men thrown into a fiery furnace, but they did not burn, saved by faith.

In relatively more modern times, the United States, after declaring independence in 1776, created the Great Seal. In addition to the bald eagle, stars and stripes, it shows the eagle clutching an olive branch in his left foot. On the branch there are 13 olives and 13 leaves.

U.S. Great Seal by By Andrew B. Graham

Other countries, including Cyprus, Israel, and Eritrea, as well as the United Nations, also have the olive branch on their flags or other national emblems.

Knowing some of the history of the olive branch makes finding that small twig in the olive can even more special. Peace to all of you.

Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.