TL;DR: An olive branch tattoo stands for peace, good vibes and fresh starts. The symbol goes way back to ancient Greece, where olive wreaths crowned Olympic winners, and to the story of the dove bringing an olive leaf to Noah. Today it's one of the most popular fineline tattoos.
The olive branch is one of those designs that just looks good everywhere. Delicate, natural and calm.
What does it mean?
- Peace. The big one.
- Making up. "Extending an olive branch" means offering to make peace.
- Fresh starts. A new chapter.
- Winning. Ancient Olympic champions got olive wreaths, not gold medals.
- Mediterranean roots, for a lot of people.
A quick bit of history
In Greek myth, the goddess Athena gave the city of Athens its first olive tree, and the city was named after her. Olive trees became a big deal.
In the story of Noah's Ark, a dove comes back with an olive leaf, meaning the flood was over. That's where the "dove with an olive branch" peace symbol comes from.
You can even spot an olive branch on the United Nations flag.
Why it works as a tattoo
Slim leaves, a gentle curve and a thin stem. It's basically made for fineline style. Our Olive Branch is 1.5 inches, small but still detailed.
Best places to put it
- Collarbone. The curve follows the bone perfectly.
- Inner forearm.
- Behind the ear.
- Ankle.
Cute pairings
- With a dove for the full peace look.
- With a sprout for growth. Try our Sprout.
- As a matching tattoo with your siblings.
Try it out
The Olive Branch looks like real ink and fades in 1-2 weeks. Try it on your collarbone one week and your wrist the next.
FAQ
What does an olive branch tattoo mean?
Peace, good vibes, making up and fresh starts.
Where did the olive branch symbol come from?
Ancient Greece and the story of Noah's dove carrying an olive leaf.
Where does an olive branch tattoo look best?
Collarbone, inner forearm, behind the ear or ankle.
What goes well with an olive branch tattoo?
A dove, a sprout, or initials.