The olive

The olive

The olive has also always symbolized financial power. We have, for example, the work of an anonymous artist of the 18th century. In his view of the town of Corfu, he depicts the personification of Venice on the model of a classical goddess. She holds an olive branch, which recalls the power, the strength and the peaceful inclinations of the serene Republic.
In the 21st century, the olive branch continues to bear the same message.
The crown of olive, the prize awarded at the ancient Olympic Games, has also been a source of inspiration for modern artists. It is the symbol of the Games of 2004. Besides, Nikos Stephanou, on his kite entitled The Olympic Victors, depicts ancient Greek athletes, philosophers and Picasso, crowned with olive wreaths.

•Hellenic Folklore  Research Center (Academy Of Athens)ODE TO THE OLIVE TREEISBN: 960-404-054-5