The
Date Palm is said to be the oldest cultivated tree. For many of the
ancient Mediterranean peoples, the Date Palm held particular symbolic
significance. This palm tree was straight and tall and fertile and in many
cases it was the only shelter and only food available. Also, it is an
evergreen tree and its fruit, leaves and bark have numerous medical
applications commonly used amongst ancient peoples. So although it was
symbolic of fertility, in particular female fertility, it was also
literally considered to be a life-saver. This Tree of Life, symbolic of
course of the gift of life from God, is mentioned twice in the christian
bible - in the Garden of Eden in Genesis and then once more in the Book of
Revelation.

Palm
Sunday, officially now known as Passion Sunday by the Catholic Church, is
a very important religious festival for Christians because it marks the
beginning of the holiest week of the year. Palm Sunday is the Sunday
before Easter Sunday and marks the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem
before his trial and crucifixion. The
origins of this story can be found in the Gospel of Matthew in the Christian
New Testament, although interestingly there is no specific mention of
palms in that particular text. It merely describes the scene of Jesus
entering the city on the back of a donkey to be greeted by a multitude.
The idea of the palm fronds being waved and thrown onto the road to pave
his way comes from the Roman tradition of greeting returning war heroes in
this same way. This would have had a particular significance at that time
as a statement of defiance by the Jewish people of Jerusalem under Roman
occupation in conjunction with their belief that Jesus was the Messiah,
the man to lead the Jewish people to self-rule.

Writing

The Talipot Palm (Corypha umbraculifera) has been used
since ancient times as a paper substitute - before the invention of paper,
of course. In particular, this form of paper was used by the cultures of
southern China and South-East Asia and a great deal of original Buddhist
scripture was recorded on palm-leaf manuscripts.

We
have mentioned above the Romans, but the significance of the palm tree,
like most other phenomenom attributed to the Romans, did not originate
with them but can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. The Date Palm is called
Phoenix and it is no coincidence that this is the same name given to the
mythical bird which was resurrected from the ashes of the fire which
consumed it, and which symbolizes immortality. In Ancient Egypt, the Date
Palm was an motif of Ammon Ra, the Goddess of Life, and the palm was the
symbol of longevity and renewed life. Date Palm seeds have been discovered
in the excavated tombs of Pharoah kings and queens.

The
Quran has twenty mentions of the Date Palm. Most notably, Mary is shown to
have given birth in the shade of the palm tree and to have eaten of the
fruit during labor. Mohammed is also on occasion shown to be praying next
to a Date Palm, which should come as no great surprise.

In Roman times, a palm leaf was often
given as a symbolic reward for victory in competitions of skill and
strength. Christians drew from this symbolism and this evolved into the
idea of a palm leaf symbolizing the ultimate reward of heaven. This can be
seen ubiquitously in Christian art - frescoes, stained-glass windows and
paintings where the saint, in particular the martyr, can be seen holding a
palm leaf with his or her right hand, symbolizing the reward for their
earthly endeavors and achievement.