The one who plants an orchard that mey begin to really bear fruit years later. The wind break that will offer shelter to the next generation. The olive trees that take more than a decade to begin to bear fruit and can live for a thousand years. Or so it is said.
Legend has it that ancient Athens asked Peoseiden and Athena to offer a gift bet suited for the city. Poseiden, god of the sea, offered a fountain. Of sea water. Athena the olive. Giver of shade. Giver of the olive not only for food but oil. Oil for light, for cooking and for the body. The Italians still dip bread in a mixture of olive oil and herbs. To destroy and olive is one of the most destructive acts. Not only the tree is lost but the history of the tree. It is a sin.
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