Olive branch tattoo meaning is the desire for peace, the reconciliation of the warring parties, renewal of life, good news, the tranquility among everyday troubles and storms. Olive tattoo design also symbolizes rich fertility and immortality. The olive tree tattoo meaning is the dwelling of the Moon and serves as its emblem.
The olive tattoo can have different designs, it can be a small leaf, a traditional olive branch, a dove holding olive branch, the whole olive tree, green or black, small and minimalist, or big. It can be made on different parts of the body wrist, back, shoulder, sleeve, hand, foot, ankle, finger, and so on. Here you can find an image gallery of different olive tattoo designs and ideas.
Dove with olive branch tattoo meaning
The tattoo of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak is rather widespread, such tattoo means Golden Age, but the first of all its meaning is Peace because both the dove and olive branch are the symbols of peace. This connection is obviously cast by Noah’s dove, which has returned to the ark holding an olive branch in his beak and with this sign has announced that the God, who sent the flood, was in peace.
Olive branch and tree meaning in different cultures
In Greek-Roman tradition, the olive branch symbolizes achievement and peace. It was considered that the olive tree on the Acropolis bears in itself the life and destiny of people. The olive branch is the emblem of Zeus (Jupiter), Athena (Minerva), Apollo, and Cybele. The olive wreath was put on by the winner of competitions in honor of Gera and Athena.
The olive is a symbol of Athena who made a miracle, having planted the first olive tree in the Acropolis. The city was a dispute subject between Athena and the god of the sea Poseidon who, having struck his trident in the earth has created a fountain. Athena in her turn has thrust her spear in the earth which has turned into an olive tree – and from the Athenian’s point of view, it was a more valuable gift. Thus the city received her name and protection.
The olive wreath on the head symbolizes the girl with the Gera and the Moon, and the wreath of the winner of the Olympic Games from the branches of the wild olive tree symbolizes Zeus, and both of them mean the sacred marriage of Zeus and Gera – the Sun and the Moon. So the olive tattoo can have the meaning of life renewal.
In China, olive tree means rest, firmness, generosity and refinement
In Christianity, the olive means the church’s growth, orthodoxy, and peace. A dove with olive branch tattoo means flying away souls of saints, deceased in the world. In the scenes of Annunciation, the archangel Gabriel is sometimes represented with an olive branch.
In the Jewish tradition, olive means force, beauty, and safety on a trip.
Nevertheless, the magic force of an olive tree can be used and for aggression too. Odysseus has picked the Cyclop’s eye with a stake made from the olive tree. The olive wreaths were given to Roman soldiers for the bravery in the fight.