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The olive tree is native to the Holy Land where it has been cultivated since ancient
times. According to historians, the first olive groves took root in the Holy Land
and along the coast of the eastern Mediterranean around 4,000 B.C.
The olive tree is a slow growing tree which fills during the first 7 years of it's
life. It is especially productive thought out her life. Growing to heights ranging
from 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 meters),
Reaching the age of 200 the trunk disappears, shoots develop at the base of the
trunk which eventually grow into a new tree, hence the reputation as the immortal
tree.
Between April and June a multitude of small, white perfumed flowers appear in groups
under the preceding year's leaves. They only last a few weeks. One olive is born
for about 20 flowers. Normally the first flowering only takes place after about
8 years.
"Out of the ground, the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant
for the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden,
and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:9"
Out of great respect, the people of the Holy Land protect (at times with their lives)
the trees refusing to ever cut them down. In the middle of October, the people of
the Holy Land pick the olive fruits to either press them and get the olive oil or
to make olive to eat and cook.
Once the oil has been pressed out of the olives what remains can be used to make
pure olive oil soap. This reminds us of how Jesus was pressed down in pain in the
Garden as He prayed and how His expressed love for people cleanses and washes away
the sins of the world.
Once the olives have all been picked it is time to cut the branches and begin the
pruning process. These sacred and holy olive trees require that we use hand saws
only because of the danger electric and gas saws inflict upon these trees. In the
Holy Bible, Jesus spoke of pruning that, there might be stronger life. He cuts off
every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes [15:2 The Greek for prunes also means cleans.] so that it will be even
more fruitful. --John 15:2
In the Book of Genesis the dove sent out from the ark by Noah returned with an olive
branch (Genesis 8:11). Here it became the great symbol of peace, indicating the
end of God’s anger.
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