Olive oil has great significance in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as clearly indicated by numerous references to it in the respective religious scriptures. For more information, see our Produced in the Holy Land page.

In Christianity, olive oil is one of the four most important symbols along with bread, wine and water: “And God blessed man with wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthen man’s heart” (David, Psalm 93). There are three different types of sacred olive oil: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens and the holy chrism (myrrh).

In Judaism, olive oil was used to light the seven branched Menorah (candelabra), as well as for anointing kings.

In Islam, the olive tree is considered a holy tree and described as a symbol of peace and friendship. The Prophet Muhammad applied it to his body and poured it on his head.