The phrase “to extend an olive branch” means to offer peace or reconciliation, with its origins in the Old Testament and ancient Greece and Rome. The olive tree’s slow growth makes it a deliberate choice as a metaphor for peace. Offering an olive branch can be important on a personal and national level, but must be done sincerely and without ulterior motives.
The term “to extend an olive branch” means to make an offering of peace or reconciliation. This term has biblical origins, coming from the section of the Old Testament dealing with the flood; the sign that the flood has passed is an olive branch carried back into the ark by a dove. Olive branches were also symbols of peace in ancient Greece and Rome, and continue to be used in various works of art that are meant to suggest peace, from murals to patches.
Some people have suggested that the olive was a very deliberate and well thought out choice as a metaphor for peace, because olive trees are known to take years to ripen. Warfare is usually very hard on trees because people can’t take the time to grow them and plant new ones. Therefore, the offering of an olive branch would suggest that someone is tired of war, be it a real war or a quarrel between friends.
In Greek and Roman times, people literally offered olive branches. In Rome, for example, defeated armies traditionally carried olive branches to signify they were surrendering, and the Greeks incorporated them into weddings and other ceremonies. In modern times, the branch is usually metaphorical, rather than literal, also because plants can be a bit difficult to obtain.
Most people agree that peace negotiations at all levels of society are a good idea. Between nations, of course, it is important to extend an olive branch to ensure mutual security and help the world run smoother. This act can also be important on a personal level, as resolving conflict and learning to get along with others is considered an important life skill in many cultures.
At some point in their lives, many people will be advised to extend an olive branch to resolve a dispute or resolve a problem. Some people believe that it takes an immense amount of courage to take this action, as it often comes with admitting mistakes and regrets. When an olive branch is offered with an ulterior motive, such as trying to get someone else to admit they were wrong, the attempt at reconciliation often goes awry, and this is a very important thing to remember. People who sincerely believe that someone else has offended them should wait for that person to take the first step towards peace or find a way to forgive them so that there can be an attempt at genuine reconciliation.
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