According to Greek legend, Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, god of the sea, once competed to name a newly discovered city.
Poseidon thrust his trident into the earth, conjuring a spring of seawater. But the water was too salty for sustained use.
In contrast, Athena gifted the city an olive tree, promising nourishment with the fruits and shade with the branches.
Recognising the olive tree’s greater utility, the people deemed Athena’s gift true wisdom and gave her name to the city of Athens.
Over time, the olive branch gained symbolic significance, transcending its mythological origin to represent peace and reconciliation.
During the ancient Olympic Games, olive leaf crowns embodied the essence of victory for athletes competing for virtue rather than possessions.
Today, the olive retains its significance as a cornerstone of the renowned Mediterranean diet, promoting health and longevity. Yet, the process of extracting olive oil generates substantial waste.
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