About
Our Story
From the Olive Tree is a UK based, family run business, supplying a variety of handmade olive wood souvenirs directly from a small Christian family in Bethlehem, the Holy Land. The family have been hand carving for over 35 years and these precise skills have been passed from one generation to the next, creating master pieces with skill, quality and authenticity.
The olive tree is a symbol of persistence, hope and peace and is the sacred tree of the Holy Land. The wood that is used comes from the pruning of the trees to increase the yield of olives for the following years, or old trees that are no longer producing olives. In this instance, a new tree will be planted in its place. It is a slow growing wood with a diverse variety of natural colours and tonal depth, making each piece even more special, as no two pieces will be the same. The unique grains give each piece an extra special quality and individuality.
These hand carved nativities and souvenirs are sold within the markets of Bethlehem, next to the Church of the Nativity, standing at the birth place of Our Lord Jesus. For the past few decades, this trade has become one of the main sources of income for the Christians of Bethlehem.
We encourage you to take a look at the variety of items that we have and if there is anything you specifically want or if you have any questions, please contact us.
The Olive Tree
The olive tree is native to the Holy Land where it has been cultivated since ancient times. The olive tree is chosen for more than its appearance. It is so special to our world because it is directly connected to our Christian faith. This can be seen when Jesus prayed under an olive tree on his way to Jerusalem, after the last supper and before his Crucifixion on a Cross. The cross on which Jesus died was also made of olive wood taken from trees near the garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem.
Unique Pieces
All carvings made of this hard wood have a varying and smooth grain, making every piece extraordinarily unique. It is almost impossible to match the grain of two pieces since the pattern is completely hidden in the heart of the wood. Holy Land olive wood is heavy, dense and durable with a distinctive red pigment in its grain.
Special Value
Olive Wood is considered the special wood in Holy Land, it is stated in the bible “But I, like an olive tree in the house of God, trust in God's faithful love forever” Psalm 52:8. Furthermore "The wood from the tree of life, those who grasp it will experience eternal happiness" Proverbs 3:18.