The beads, crucifixes, and crosses made from this wonderfully tactile olive wood, and then, in turn, these items being made into beautiful rosaries; seem to have an extra significance simply because they are from The Holy Land, Bethlehem.

"His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon." (Hosea 14:6).

Interesting facts about the Olive Trees of the Holy Land, Bethlehem are numerous, below are just a few.

The olive tree is a native tree of Israel, known to many as The Holy Land. The olive tree is indigenous to the coast of the eastern Mediterranean, and historically, has been found there since circa 4,000 B.C.

The olive tree, (Olea europaea) is a slow growing tree and can reach heights of between 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 meters). This tree has the reputation of being an immortal tree because on reaching approximately 200 years old new shoots begin to grow at the base of the trunk. When this happens the main trunk disappears, and the new shoots grow into a new tree.

It has small, white perfumed flowers which appear between April and June, when the tree is about 8 years old.

Jesus, after the Last Supper, "He came out, and went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives" (Luke 22:39). –"…and they went to a place which was called Gethsemane" (Mark 14:32) – Gethsemane means oil press, and, as a place, is full of ancient olive trees.

So, the Olive Tree has religious significance to many nations and religions. Indeed, it also had many other uses, for example, olive oil was used to anoint prophets and kings, it was used as food, lighting, and for symbolic purposes. Since Noah’s time, the olive branch has been seen as a symbol of peace and goodwill.