Let's celebrate Olive Tree Day and learn more about this ancient tree.
Today, November 26th, is recognized as “Olive Tree Day”. Please join me in celebrating this companion of human civilization and cultural symbol of the Mediterranean area, the olive tree.
We have many reasons to be thankful and celebrate the most beloved and sacred olive tree. Here are a few facts.
In Greek mythology, legend has it that Zeus proposed a contest between Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, and Poseidon, god of the sea, for control of Athens. While Poseidon smashed his trident against the rock of the Acropolis, from which a spring originated, Athena, produced an Olive tree, with its silvery-green leaves and abundance of rich fruits.
Athenians chose the Olive tree which has remained a much-loved part of Greek life ever since!
Traditionally, the olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, an association which can be traced back to ancient Greece, as early as the fifth century. The prize awarded to Olympic athletes also it was a wreath made of olive tree branches cut from the sacred wild-olive tree near the temple of Zeus in Olympia.
Olive trees can thrive in a variety of conditions, including dry and arid environments. They are perfect for regions that experience droughts or desertification. Because of their deep roots these trees stabilize the soil, making them an effective barrier against soil erosion, which is important to prevent landslides. Simultaneously, olive trees provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and other small animals, supporting biodiversity.
These ancient and long living trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their leaves, branches, and trunks. By doing so, they help to significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. In turn, olive trees release oxygen, which helps to improve air quality, and reduce air pollution, a major contributor to several health problems. So, taking care of an olive tree is a simple and effective way to counter some of the consequences of climate change, one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today.
And let’s not forget that these trees provide delicious, edible olive fruits, which are the sole ingredient of one of the most powerful foods that mother nature can give us: olive oil.
No wonder why in ancient Greek the olive tree was considered a gift from the Gods.
Long live the olive tree! Today and every day, enjoy some of its bounties, EVOO, and olives.
If you are interested in reading more of my blogs:
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Medium.
Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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