Olive oil has been far more than just a food or trade commodity throughout centuries; it has been a sacred substance, a symbol, and a carrier of mythological narratives. Regarded as a gift from the gods, it was anointed on the bodies of kings and heroes, burned in temples, and used in consecration ceremonies. Its golden hue and purifying power elevated olive oil beyond the ordinary, associating it with sanctity in many civilizations. In this text, let’s explore the mythological origins of olive oil, its ritual uses, and the symbolic meanings it carries.

 

The Gift of the Gods: The Birth of the Olive Tree

The sanctity of olive oil begins with the mythological origins of its source, the olive tree. In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Athena sought to gift humanity the most beneficial offering to name a city after herself, competing against Poseidon. Poseidon conjured a horse from the sea, while Athena planted an olive tree in the earth. The council of gods deemed the olive tree more peaceful, enduring, and beneficial, and the city was named Athens, meaning “Athena’s city.” This story is not just a myth; it is a powerful symbol of olive oil’s connection to peace, wisdom, and civilization.

 

Anointing with Sacred Oil: Purification and Consecration

One of olive oil’s most significant roles in religious ceremonies is anointing. In the ancient world, kings, priests, and warriors were purified physically and spiritually with olive oil, placing them under divine protection. This practice was not exclusive to the Greeks but was also prevalent in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Hebrew cultures. In the Old Testament, prophets and kings were “anointed with oil” to be divinely appointed. Even today, in many religions—particularly Christianity—olive oil is used in baptisms, the blessing of the sick, and spiritual ordinations, demonstrating its enduring role as a mediator between the sacred and the worldly.

 

The Oil of Light: Illuminator of the Soul

In ancient times, olive oil lamps illuminated not only physical darkness but also, symbolically, spiritual darkness. Most lamps in temples, homes, and ceremonial spaces were fueled by olive oil. This light was considered the light of the gods, a symbol of divine wisdom and inspiration. In religious festivals like Hanukkah, the burning of olive oil lamps underscores the miraculous and divine nature of this sacred light. The burning of olive oil represents light, hope, and a perpetually renewed spiritual state.

 

From Death to Eternity: Olive Oil in Tombs and Rituals

In ancient Egyptian and Greek tombs, vessels filled with olive oil have been found. These oils were placed to illuminate the deceased’s soul and ensure a peaceful encounter with the gods. Olive oil was believed to possess a power that facilitated the transition between life and death. In some civilizations, the bodies of the deceased were washed or anointed with olive oil, not merely for physical cleansing but as a spiritual purification for the afterlife.

 

The Symbol of Peace and Resurrection

The olive branch and olive oil are symbols of peace in mythology and religious narratives. In the story of Noah’s Ark, the olive branch carried by the dove signifies God’s reconciliation with the earth. This narrative reinforces olive oil’s symbolic value as a representation of rebirth, forgiveness, and hope.

 

The Mythological Codes of Olive Oil

In mythological texts and sacred narratives, olive oil is not merely a functional substance but a carrier of profound meanings, such as:

• Wisdom and peace (Athena)
• Consecration and spiritual purification
• Light and divine connection
• Resurrection and rebirth
• Eternity and sacred wisdom

These symbolic powers have placed olive oil at the heart of both dining tables and belief systems for thousands of years.

Olive oil has been a gift of the gods in mythologies, a medium of consecration in religions, and a language of peace in symbols. Even today, every drop carries traces of this sanctity, the voice of the past, and the grace of the soul. Viewing it not just as a flavor but as a carrier of cross-cultural meaning brings deeper respect and awareness to our tables.