Elsa Marston’s The Olive Tree is a richly textured and realistic story about two Lebanese children who struggle to get along after a war, learn to share, and find friendship through adversity .
Why are olive trees so important?
Olive tree is the most economically important oil-producing crop in many Mediterranean countries. ... Over time, research on olive trees has become well established, particularly with respect to oil biosynthesis in olive drupe.
What lesson did you learn from the story the olive tree?
The story is about two children who have to learn how to share together and work together . It also is about understanding what a family goes through after they have to leave their home due to being “different.”
What is special about the olive tree?
Olive trees are resistant to drought and can stay a few months without rain if the roots are well established in the ground. They are resilient to various pests and diseases, can survive even a fire. Because olive tree growth rate is very slow, it’s wood is extremely dense and tightly grained.
What does olive tree represent in the Bible?
It is first mentioned in Scripture when the dove returned to Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its beak (Gen. 8:11). Since that time, the olive branch has been a symbol of “peace” to the world , and we often hear the expression, “extending an olive branch” to another person as a desire for peace.
What was the problem in the Olive Tree story?
Together they could climb the big olive tree that overlooked both their gardens, and eat the delicious olives it produced. The only problem was that Muna, the little girl next door, didn’t want to play and she didn’t want to share the olives.
What is the conflict in the story the olive tree?
In The Olive Tree, Muna and her family return after a long absence during the “troubles” aka the “civil war” in the Lebanon . Sameer, her neighbor, enjoyed olives that fell into his yard from their tree during her family’s long absence. Muna reminds him the tree and olives belong to her family and refuses to share them.
What is the symbolic meaning of the olive tree?
The olive tree, or more specifically an olive branch, is a symbol of peace and friendship dating back to ancient Greek mythology.
Is the olive tree a symbol of Israel?
The olive tree is mentioned many times in the Bible, associated with blessings, fertility and health . Over the course of time, it acquired the connotation of rootedness and dwelling on the land, which is why an olive branch appears in the emblem of the state, and in the emblems of Israeli army corps.
What is the life span of an olive tree?
Olive plants (Olea europaea) require certain growing conditions, but they are capable of living for a very long time. In fact, The Science Times reports that olive trees around the world can live as long as 1,500 years, with an average life span of 500 years .
What are the two olive trees in the Bible?
According to the text, the two witnesses are symbolized as the “two olive trees and the two lampstands” that have the power to destroy their enemies, control the weather and cause plagues . Their description as “two olive trees and two lampstands” may be symbolism, allegory, or literal.
Is the tree of life an olive tree?
The olive tree is referred to as the tree of life , because of the white pigeon that returned to Noah’s ark after the flood had an olive branch in its mouth. Naturlink website refers that the existence of olive trees is parallel in the history, tradition and culture of the Mediterranean people.
Are olive trees hard to care for?
Growing a potted olive tree indoors has become popular. One reason people are taking to olive trees as houseplants is that caring for olive trees inside is easy. These trees tolerate dry air and dry soil too , making it an easy-care houseplant. And the trees are attractive too.
What does the vine symbolize in Christianity?
Grapes are among the strongest Christian symbols, as they represent the blood of Jesus ; moreover, vineyards come to represent the mission field. In that sense, grapes come to also represent good works, while vines reflect the words of Jesus “I am the vine, ye are the branches,” (John 15:5).
What is the spiritual meaning of Olive?
There are many meanings of the olive tree. It is a symbol of friendship and reconciliation, cleansing and healing, light, victory and richness and, above all, a sign of peace. It is a plant which should be treated with reverence as it holds many spiritual gifts.
What does the tree symbolize in the Bible?
Trees need caring for so that they bear fruit and benefit mankind , contributing to our overall welfare. ... In Genesis 2:16-17, God gave both man and woman his first command, and it referred to the fruit of the tree, but they disobeyed. We see in the gospels that Christ died on a tree for the forgiveness of our sins.
