User:Williesmith1122/sandbox

'''Olive oil ''' Olive oil is a food product extracted from olives, the fruit of the olive tree .planted in full heat. It is an old food, classic of contemporary cuisine, regular in the Mediterranean diet and nowadays present in most kitchens. In addition to the health benefits, olive oil adds a peculiar flavor and aroma to food.

https://nectaar.shop/ buy olive oil from our online store

The Mediterranean region, currently, is responsible for 95% of the world production of olive oil, favored by its climatic conditions, conducive to the cultivation of olive trees, with plenty of sun and dry climate.

'''History of olive oil '''

The origin of the olive tree, in its primitive form, dates back to the Tertiary Era, prior to the appearance of man, and is located in Asia Minor , Syria and Palestine , regions where traces of oil production facilities and fragments of pots were discovered dated to the beginning of the Bronze Age. However, fossilized olive leaves, dating from the Paleolithic and Neolithic period, were found throughout the Mediterranean basin , and their origin in the southern Caucasus , in the high reaches of Iran , was also investigated.

'''The use of olive oil in antiquity ''' Around 3000 years before Christ, the olive tree would already be cultivated throughout the Fertile Crescent. However, it is known that, more than 6 thousand years ago, olive oil was used by the peoples of Mesopotamia as a protector from the cold and to face battles, occasions when people greased it. With the contact between these peoples and the Hebrews, the production of olive oil and the culture of the olive tree was learned, then this knowledge was passed on to Greece and the entire Mediterranean through the Phoenicians.

Potential distribution of olive trees in the Mediterranean basin. The olive tree is a biological indicator of the Mediterranean region. (Oteros, 2014) [ 2 ] There was trade in olive oil among the traders in the city of Tire, who probably exported it to Egypt , where olive trees, for the most part, do not offer a good quality product. There is information extracted from the biblical Old Testament that it would have been in the amount of 20,000 beats (2 Chronicles 2:10), or 20 choirs (1 Kings 5:11), the oil supplied by Solomon to Hiram, and the direct trade in this production it was also sustained between Egypt and Israel (1 Kings 5:11; 2 Chronicles 2: 10-15; Isaiah 30: 6 and 57.9; Ezekiel 27:17; Hosea 12: 1).

The propagation of olive oil culture to other Mediterranean regions occurred through the Phoenicians. Thus, already in ancient Greece the olive tree started to be cultivated in Greece, as well as the vineyard. And, since the 7th century BC, olive oil began to be investigated by philosophers , doctors and historians of the time because of its beneficial properties to humans.

The Greeks and Romans undoubtedly discovered several applications of olive oil, with its multiple uses in cooking, such as medicine, ointment or balm, perfume, fuel for lighting, implement lubricant and fabric waterproofing.

In addition, olive oil is mentioned in almost all ancient religions, with many legends and myths about it. The olive tree was often considered a symbol of wisdom, peace, abundance and glory for the people.

Olive oil in ancient religions For the Egyptians, the cultivation of the olive tree would have been taught by Isis ; the Romans also believed that the origin of such a culture would have been a gift from their respective gods.

According to Greek mythology, when disputing the lands of what is now the city of Athens , the god Posidão , with a stroke of his trident, would have sprouted a beautiful and strong horse and that the goddess Athens brought an olive tree capable of producing oil to light the night, soothe the pain of the wounded and to serve as a precious food, rich in flavor and energy.

In Eneida, Virgílio mentions olive oil and olive trees: "And with an olive branch man is totally purified".

Romulus and Remus, considered descendants of the gods and founders of the city of Rome , would have seen the light of day for the first time under the branches of the olive tree.

Among the Jews, olive oil had a great importance in the cults regarding the offering of sacrifices to God, symbolizing his presence among men.

The symbolism of olive oil in the Bible and in Christianity In the Bible, oil is used as a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit ( God ).

In Genesis, when the floodwaters had ceased and the ark was still sailing over the waters, Patriarch Noah reportedly released a dove that returned with an olive branch.

Jacob, having two supernatural experiences with God , at Bethel , both times placed a stone column on which he poured oil. ( Genesis 28:18 and Genesis 35:14 )

The Jews used oil in their sacrifices and also as a divine anointing that was mixed with rare perfumes. Therefore, oil was used in the consecration of priests ( Exodus 29: 2-23 ; Leviticus 6: 15-21 ), in daily sacrifice ( Exodus 29:40 ), in the purification of lepers ( Leviticus 14: 10-18 and Leviticus 21: 24-28 ), and in addition to the Nazarites ' vow ( Numbers 6:15 ).

When someone presents an offering to the Lord as an offering, his offering will be floured; he will pour oil on it and add incense. ( Leviticus 2: 1 )

It can be said that the Torah foresaw three types of food offerings that should be accompanied with oil and without yeast, which were: 1) flour with oil and incense; 2) baked or baked cakes (very thin cakes) smeared with oil; 3) cereal grains roasted with oil and incense. And while the absence of leaven symbolized the abstinence from sin, oil would represent the presence of God. Part of the offerings were then burned at the altar as a sacrifice to God. Certain offerings, however, were to be made without that oil, such as those made for the atonement for sin ( Leviticus 5:11 ) and because of jealousy ( Numbers 5:15 ).

Jews also used oil to rub their bodies, after bathing, or before a festive occasion, but in times of mourning, or some calamity, they abstained from using it.

Olive oil was also recognized as a medicine among Jews ( Isaiah 1: 6 ; Mark 6:13 ; and James 5:14 ). In Luke 10:34, the "good Samaritan" anoints the wounds of the man who had been attacked by the robbers with wine and oil. Olive oil, in wounds, was known to help heal.

It can be said that in Jewish culture, olive oil indicated the feeling of joy, while its absence denounced sadness, or humiliation.

Before his arrest, Jesus spent agonizing moments in Gethsemane, or Garden of Olives , located just outside ancient Jerusalem. The name Gethsemane means oil press. The choice of location brought exactly what was happening to Jesus moments before he was crucified, when he was going to be sacrificed and crushed like an olive, so that humanity could receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

Even today on Holy Thursday, the Catholic Church consecrates the holy oils that are used by priests throughout the year in sacramental liturgical rituals, such as baptism , confirmation , the anointing of the sick and priestly ordination. According to Canon Law, such oils must be of vegetable origin, but it is usual to use olive oil for such consecration.