The olive branch as a peace symbol dates back to ancient Rome and Greece. The Olive tree was the favourite of Eirene (Irene) - the Greek goddess of Peace. She was depicted holding an olive branch.
"How far peace outweighs war in benefits to man;
Eirene , the chief friend and cherisher of the Mousai (Muses);
Eirene, the enemy of revenge, lover of families and children, patroness of wealth.
Yet these blessings we viciously neglect, embrace wars;
man with man, city with city fights, the strong enslaves the weak."
Euripides
5th BC
...
Eirene , the chief friend and cherisher of the Mousai (Muses);
Eirene, the enemy of revenge, lover of families and children, patroness of wealth.
Yet these blessings we viciously neglect, embrace wars;
man with man, city with city fights, the strong enslaves the weak."
Euripides
5th BC
...
What a wonderful site. I've enjoyed reading your peace thimbles!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :)
Thank you dawn. :-)
ReplyDeletex
irena is icelandik for Irene
ReplyDeleteThank you
ReplyDeleteAnd Irena Sendler was one of my first Peace Thimbles, Thimble 81, which is something I hadn't noticed till you wrote this reply. How perfectly named she was! :-)
irene was a very beautiful goddess.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you have such a nice, well constructed website... truly inspiring :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Anonymous... maybe sign your name next time? :-)
ReplyDelete