Meanings - Branches

Branches - The olive branch is derived from the customs of Ancient Greece, symbolizes peace or victory and was worn by brides.

 

The olive-branch can also be used as symbols of peace and reflections of the country, a gesture of peace by the enemies.

 

Sprigs, branches, leaves, acorns as well as whole trees of oak are fairly common symbols as an emblem of virtue, strength, resiliency, longevity, and re-birth. The ancient Druids considered oak to have both medicinal and mystical significance. According to legend King Arthur's table was made from one gigantic slice of a very ancient oak tree.

 

Leaves in general, together, have different meanings though. Oak leaves are religious symbols of faith and endurance. In ancient times Bay leaves were considered remedies against poison, and thus they symbolized healing. Their image was also used as a symbol of peace and quiet. On the other hand, nettles are an ancient heraldic symbol whose leaves signal the sting of death to all foes. Ivy leaves signify strong and lasting friendship. This association is derived from ivy's ability to stay attached to a rocky surface in even the most inhospitable conditions. The woodbine is a representation of love that injures nothing to which it clings. Also called honeysuckle, the woodbine is a climbing vine that does not damage what it attaches to. And the burdock leaf, edock, or bur, which is the Scottish term for a dock-leaf, was probably a symbol of tenacity and perseverance.