Olive Oil and the Holidays

Throughout history, in many organized religions as well as in ancient primitive cultures, olive oil has served a variety of sacred purposes. It has been used in priestly rituals and sacred ceremonies as a symbol of purity, peace and godliness. From the olive tree’s earliest cultivation, this beautiful tree was thought to possess a divine nature and was revered for its hardiness and longevity as well as for the fruit it provided. The oil pressed from the fruit of the olive tree was thought to be the very essence of this divinity - a pure and shining gift received directly from the heavens. This holiday season, give a gift of health, divinity and tradition.

Celebrating Christmas:
Olive oil is referenced more than 140 times in the Bible, and the olive tree, considered the king of all trees, is mentioned over 100 times. In Christian churches, olive oil is a symbol of God’s boundless generosity toward humankind and of his never-ending love. Christ (Christos) means anointed one, that is, anointed with olive oil. When olive oil is used to anoint people, it is considered one of the channels through which God’s power comes into the world.

Celebrating Hanukkah - The Feast of Oil:
In the Jewish faith, the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah can be attributed to a miracle involving olive oil. The story of Hanukkah began when the Jews came to rededicate a Temple and wanted to light the Menorah. However, they found only one small jar of ritually acceptable olive oil and reluctantly lit the Menorah, wondering if they should wait for ritually pure olive oil to arrive. While expecting the oil to last only one day, it miraculously burned for eight days. Since that time the Menorah is traditionally lighted for eight days during Hanukkah.

Just Celebrating:
Whatever holiday you are celebrating; consider giving the gift of a bottle of healthy, handcrafted extra virgin olive oil from California. And, for tips of how to use olive oil in the kitchen to drizzle, marinate, sauté, and back; in the bathroom for your skin, hair, and hands; and in the bedroom…well, use your imagination…also buy Carol Firenze’s popular book, The Passionate Olive - 101 Things to do with Olive Oil.

Look for additional tips soon. If you can’t wait, please order a book and a bottle from Olinda Ridge or visit www.thepassionateolive.com.

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