|
For
thousands of years the olive tree has been recognised for its many uses
in Mediterranean countries. The Olive and Olive oil were consumed; the
leaves and oil had therapeutic powers and were also used as incense. The
wood is excellent for fuel and straight shoots make excellent sticks. To
this day, Cypriots will use Olive oil on the scalp to strengthen the
hair and rub it on the body to alleviate aches and pains.
The
Cypriots and the people of the Mediterranean in general have always
believed Olive oil to be responsible for the good health and longevity
of the people who consume it. Medical studies conducted in Europe and
the US show that this natural product is the key to good health and
vitality and helps keep the heart strong.
The staple
diet of Cyprus has always been pulses, beans and lentils and salads and
pasta eaten with plenty of olive oil. Nowadays it has been recognised
that these are nutritionally beneficial to any diet.
The
olive tree to Cyprus can be traced back to
Neolithic times. It is widely believed that the origin of the Olive (Olea
europaea) came from the region of Iran and the coast of Syria and
Palestine; other opinions are that it originated around the north shore
of the Black Sea.
The olive
tree and its produce have for centuries played a significant role in the
nutrition, economy, religious ceremonies, habits and customs of the
Cypriots. According to Ancient Greek and Roman writings, the olive tree
along with the Carob tree and the vine tree, were the main
characteristic of the Rural Areas in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
The Olive
tree is one of my favourite trees, full of character and history. If
you have the chance, just stand a look at an old olive tree in
particular, it has its own story to tell. In Cyprus there are many old
olive trees to study, whether you are in town or country you will get
the chance to contemplate the shape and character of a very majestic
tree.
|
