Dove & olive branch

Posted by ESC on August 19, 2001

In Reply to: Origin please? posted by Becky on August 19, 2001

: I've been searching the web all morning hoping to find the origin of the phrase "to extend the olive branch" . I know it has to do with trying to make peace....but where does it come from? Bible? Myth? Thanks.

Yes, it's Biblical. The dove and olive branch as a symbol of peace is taken from the story of Noah and the flood. Genesis 9:8-11. "Also he sent forth a dove from him to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground. But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark; for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark: And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off; so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth."