The witch’s olive tree

by | Mar 11, 2021 | Olive tree

The witch’s olive tree

olive tree of the witch

The Strega olive tree is a monumental plant located near Magliano in the province of Grosseto near the Romanesque church of SS. Annunziata; the tree is considered one of the oldest in Italy, its age estimated at around 3000-3500 years. The plant consists of two individuals, one dating from around 1000 B.C. formed by the giant and peculiar base on which the new sucker was born, which is two centuries old and is an extension of the ancient tree. The name Witch’s Olive is due to some figures that can be imagined when shadows form on the trunk or wrinkled and twisted branches at sunset. According to ancient legends handed down by folk tradition, pagan rituals were consumed around the tree, the olive tree writhing and taking on eerie shapes. During the Etruscan period it is said that around this tree and under its branches the Augurs and Haruspices officiated their rites to question and reveal the future. It is said that during the Middle Ages, Maremma witches would gather at the foot of the olive tree to exalt the devil, but the most widespread legend tells of a witch who danced around the olive tree every Friday during her Sabbatical rites, thus forcing the plant to contort itself until it assumed its present form. At the end of the ritual, the witch would transform into a huge cat with fiery eyes and remain to watch over the tree all night.

Greek myth

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Olive tree

Greek myth

Greek myth olive tree
The Greek myth recounting the birth of the olive tree refers to a challenge between Athena and Poseidon, of which Zeus king of all the gods would be judge, to offer the most beautiful gift to men.
Poseidon, striking the ground with his trident, raised a powerful and swift horse, capable of winning all battles.
Athena, with her spear, struck a rock and brought forth from the earth a beautiful tree with silvery leaves, the first olive tree. The beautiful plant brightened the night, healed wounds and cured diseases, and also offered valuable nourishment, giving well-being and thus peace and health to all men who would cultivate it.
Zeus chose the beautiful tree and said, “This plant will protect a new city to be called Athens by you, my daughter. You gave men the olive tree and with it you gave light, nourishment and an eternal symbol of peace.”
Athena from that day became the patron goddess of the city of Athens. Some time later one of Poseidon’s sons tried to uproot Athena’s tree, but was injured in committing the sacrilegious act and died. The Athenians thus decided to build the Acropolis on that spot and guard the sacred olive tree night and day from soldiers.

The tree of longevity

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Olive tree

The tree of longevity

Centennial olive tree
The olive trees are small, crooked and grow little. Yet the trunk is mighty, lightening in the crown, full of silvery green foliage and leaves, ready to glisten under every ray of sunlight and scapigliarsi with every breath of wind. Each tree is a sculpture: although they are not among the tallest and grandest trees, they are regal and majestic, long-lived strong and generous, and they have those wonderful fruits, olives.
Oil made from olives has therapeutic properties, is among the most typical products of the Italian territory, is a basic element of our culinary culture, and keeps us healthy and long-lived.

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