8 Elegant Olive Branch Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

Honor your traditional roots and preference for peace with this tranquil tattoo.

Reviewed by Ashutosh Bairagi, Professional Tattoo Artist Ashutosh Bairagi Ashutosh BairagiProfessional Tattoo Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Sangita Goel, MA Sangita Goel MA linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Aparna Harry, MA (English Literature) Aparna Harry MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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Tattoos make a bold statement and serve as an expression of a person’s beliefs and story. Olive branch tattoos are a popular motif among tattoo enthusiasts because they have been the flagbearer of peace, and are laced with rich spiritual and historical significance that has come down through generations. This article digs deep into the historical context of the symbol and displays some design inspirations for you. These captivating designs of the olive branch tattoos might just make you want to get one yourself. Keep scrolling to check them out!

Meaning Of Olive Branch Tattoos

The olive branch derives its significance from historical events and ancient mythology. Today, it is accepted as a symbol of peace, harmony, and victory. In Greek mythology, the goddess of wisdom and warfare Athena held the olive tree to be sacred. The legend has it that she gifted an olive tree to the people of Athens as a symbol of prosperity and peace.

  • In Greek society, olive branches are an emblem of purity and brides wear them on their wedding day.
  • The olive branch represents unity, hope, and faith in Christianity.
  • In Roman culture, the olive branch is a symbol of peace, and is often used to symbolize a desire for mental or world peace.
  • In the Mediterranean, the olive tree symbolizes longevity and abundance. It also indicates a connection to family heritage and deep respect for natural resources.
  • In Native American culture, this tattoo highlights a desire to foster good bonds and harmony with everyone around.
  • Finally, olive branch tattoos have become emblems of social goodwill and a devout sense of justice.

Whatever the significance of the tattoo for you, the next section offers a unique collection of olive branch tattoos. Scroll down to take a look at the inspirations!

8 Striking Olive Branch Tattoo Designs

Whether you want a minimalistic or detailed design, our list features a tattoo to suit everyone’s needs below. Check them out!

1. Vintage Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with Vintage Olive Branch Tattoo on her wrist
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The vintage or traditional olive branch tattoo uses vibrant colors instead of black and grey shading or harsh lines. This soft-shaded tattoo design looks elegant, and subtly hints at your individuality and self-confidence, while emphasizing your preference for peace.

2. Knee Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with olive branch knee tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

If you are game for tattoos on an unconventional part of your body, this olive branch tattoo just above your knee is perfect. The tattoo depicts a traditional olive branch wreath, which symbolizes victory and achievement and may also signify spiritual growth. The unique placement of the tattoo depicts the strength and love for adventure as knee tattoos hurt relatively more.

3. Minimalist Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with Minimalist Olive Branch Tattoo on her fingers
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This minimalist olive branch tattoo is ideal not only for the back of your hands but any body part. It uses fine lines and black ink to create this illustration. The simplicity of the tattoo does not take away the essence of the tattoo. It depicts the wearer’s preference for elegance and no complications.

4. Simple Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with Simple Olive Branch Tattoo on her arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

For individuals who do not want realistic botanical-like tattoos, this is a good option. The simple olive branch tattoo depicts green olives hanging on a black branch with black leaves. It honors the growth of the wearer. Their simplicity makes them versatile to look good on any part of your body.

5. Dove And Olive Branch Tattoo

A woman with dove and olive branch tattoo on his back
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

The tattoo of a dove with an olive branch looks mesmerizing. This symbol has Biblical significance. It was first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible when the dove Noah sent to spread his message about God’s outrage returned with an olive branch in its beak as a sign of peace and calming of God’s anger. Hence, it can convey the wearer’s spiritual connection to nature.

6. Greek Olive Branch Tattoo

Woman with Greek olive branch tattoo on the nape of the neck
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

In Greek mythology, the ancient Greeks crowned the winner of the Olympic games with a wreath of wild olive grown outside the god Zeus’s temple on Mount Olympus. Hence, the olive branch became a symbol of the blessing and protection of Zeus and he is often depicted wearing a half-olive wreath on his head. This tattoo honors the Greek god Zeus and shows the wearer’s belief in the divine and their love for the Greek culture.

7. Dainty Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with Dainty Olive Branch Tattoo on her ankle
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

If you are on the hunt for a realistic olive branch tattoo, this tattoo is perfect for you. This tattoo depicts the beauty of olives and the olive branch and the vibrant color palette breathes life into the tattoo. The artist has beautifully inked the tattoo to make it look realistic yet simple to maintain the aesthetics of ankle tattoos. It can symbolize that the wearer has found serenity in the path they are now taking in their life.

8. Neck Olive Branch Tattoo

woman with Olive Branch Neck Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Olive trees are known to thrive in harsh conditions. This tattoo commemorates the wearer’s struggle in life to grow and honors their resilience and strength. It expresses their ability to overcome barriers in life and achieve their personal goals.

There are many options when it comes to botanical tattoo designs; however, Olive branch tattoos are popular among tattoo enthusiasts and have deep meaning. Its historical significance and traditional use make it a desirable tattoo subject. Individuals who love Greek mythology or want to honor their Greek and Christian roots often get this tattoo inked. Others who believe in values like peace, prosperity, and victory also like to get this design. If you want to captivate others with your tattoo and create an aura of mystery, you need to get this tattoo done.

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Ashutosh Bairagi
Ashutosh BairagiProfessional Tattoo Artist
Ashutosh Bairagi graduated from RGPV, Bhopal in May 2019, where he completed his undergraduate program in Electrical Engineering. This was where he developed his interest in designing and learnt about the different types of art forms and digital tools used in the art industry.

Read full bio of Ashutosh Bairagi
Sangita Goel
Sangita GoelBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sangita is a content writer with a passion for exploring diverse genres. She has written 100+ blogs on an array of topics, including relationships, travel, beauty, and fashion. Armed with a master’s degree in history from Indira Gandhi National Open University, she has leveraged her curiosity to write captivating, engaging, and informative articles.

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Asmita De
Asmita DeAssociate Editor
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Aparna Harry
Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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