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Olive Trees grow in many parts of the
Middle East and some European countries, it is native to the Mediterranean
region, tropical and central Asia and various parts of Africa. The
olive trees especially in the Holy Land require a
long, hot growing season to properly ripen the fruit, no late spring
frosts to kill the blossoms and sufficient winter chill to insure
fruit set. The Holy Land Olive
Wood or Bethlehem
Olive Wood has it’s own unique richness and
texture.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, in Jerusalem there
you will find some of oldest olive trees that still
exist. According to the Bible, it is believed that Jesus prayed
underneath an Olive Tree in the Garden of Gethsemane
after the Last Supper. This sacred tree is still in existence today.
The Bible repeatedly refers to the Olive Tree as
a symbol of peace, fertility, and prosperity. In the story of Noah's
Ark, a branch from an Olive Tree was brought back
to the Ark by Noah's Dove symbolizing peace. Also, on Palm Sunday,
pilgrims carry Olive Wood branches commemorating the Lord's entry
into Jerusalem. |
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Olive Wood
- An Ancient Art Form. During the time of the Crusades, an ancient
art form emerged, which came to be known as the Olive Wood
Industry. Artists, who came from Europe, settled in Bethlehem and
started this unique industry. Ever since, Olive Wood
carving was taught from generation to generation until it was perfected
and mastered. |
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| Although this industry depends on simple hand tools,
it is maintained as such to preserve the Biblical heritage and the
religious significance of the Olive Tree to the Christian
community..."Down the middle of the great street of the city.
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops
of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree
are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2: New International
Version). |
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Olive Trees grow in
many parts of the Holy Land but the richness and textures of the
Bethlehem olive wood is not matched. One of the reasons for that,
is due to the fact that the oldest olive trees in Holy Land are
located in the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The older the
olive tree, the more grains and textures you will
find in it's wood.
The Olive Tree is a subtropical, broad-leaved,
evergreen tree, which has edible fruit. The tree ranges in height
from 3 to 8 meters or more, and has numerous branches. Its leaves,
leathery and lance-shaped are dark green and are paired opposite
each other on the twig.
In October, the Olive Wood trees
are pruned and the wood is sold to us and other craftsmen who create
priceless pieces of art.
Four Christian founders and friends all born and
raised in the Little Town of Bethlehem, invite you to add a special
touch to your Christmas season with handmade carvings from the Holy
Land. "We designed our carvings from our own experiences growing
up in Bethlehem."
All of our crafts come with a Certificate of Authentic
as well as Good Quality Guarantee. They an make attractive display
of Faith. |
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| No olive trees are damaged or destroyed in
the process of harvesting the olive wood.
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Bethlehem Olive Wood.Org
4 Vernon Lane Suite #3A
Elmsford, NY 10523 |
Bethlehem Olive Wood.Org Workshop
Manger Sqaure
Bethlehem |
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Copyright ©2008
Bethlehem Olive Wood.Org |
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