The olive branch, often depicted in the mouth of a dove, symbolizes peace - that the soul has departed in the peace of God.
©2006 Kimberly Powel
Tombstone of John Kress (1850 - 1919) and his wife, Freda (1856 - 1929), Robinson's Run Cemetery, South Fayette Township, Pennsylvania
The association of the olive branch with wisdom and peace originates in Greek mythology where the goddess Athena gave an olive tree to the city that was to become Athens. Greek ambassadors carried on the tradition, offering an olive branch of peace to indicate their good intentions. An olive leaf also makes an appearance in the story of Noah.
The olive tree is also known to represent longevity, fertility, maturity, fruitfulness and prosperity.