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The Root of Palestinian Heritage

The Root of Palestinian Heritage

In Arabic, the olive is called Zaytoun (زيتون)  a word that carries centuries of history, faith, and resilience. In Palestine, the olive tree is more than just a source of food; it is a lifeline, a symbol of peace, and a deep connection to the land. Families have passed down olive groves for generations, making them central to both cultural identity and livelihood.

The Olive in Palestinian Life

Every autumn, communities come together for the olive harvest, one of the most cherished traditions in Palestine. It is a time of gathering  of families, neighbors, and friends working side by side, picking olives, sharing meals under the trees, and preserving not just food but memories. The harvest season reflects unity, strength, and an enduring bond with the soil of Palestine. Beyond their agricultural importance, olives are rooted in spiritual and cultural meaning. The olive tree is referenced in the Quran, the Bible, and countless Palestinian folktales and songs. With roots that run deep and branches that spread wide, the olive tree is a living emblem of resilience, patience, and continuity.

Olives in Tatreez and Design

At Darzah, we carry this heritage forward through our embroidery. The olive motif (Zaytoun) often appears in Palestinian Tatreez (تطريز)  carefully stitched leaves and branches representing strength, life, and steadfastness. By incorporating these motifs into our products, we not only celebrate the beauty of the olive tree but also honor the artisans whose hands keep these traditions alive. Each stitch is a reminder of a people rooted in their culture, even in the face of adversity.
Yet, this sacred tree  so central to Palestinian life  has become a target. In recent years, Israeli forces and settlers have burned, uprooted, and destroyed thousands of olive trees across Palestine. For farmers, the loss of an olive grove is not just economic devastation; it is an attack on heritage, memory, and survival. Some of these trees are centuries old, holding within them the stories of entire generations. Their destruction is felt deeply, as if erasing a part of Palestinian history itself.
Despite the challenges, the olive tree continues to stand as a symbol of resistance and hope. Every harvest, every bottle of olive oil, and every embroidered olive motif tells the world: Palestinians remain rooted in their land, in their culture, and in their identity.
Through our work, we seek to carry these symbols into the hands and homes of people everywhere  as a reminder of the resilience of Palestine and the unbreakable bond between its people and their beloved olive trees.

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Your Support Makes a Difference

Each purchase contributes to women empowerment

Darzah is a non-profit organization

All Darzah Products are Handmade by Women in Palestine

Your Support Makes a Difference

Each purchase contributes to women empowerment

Darzah is a non-profit organization

All Darzah Products are Handmade by Women in Palestine