8th April 2022
The date palm – phoenix dactylifera – has been cultivated since ancient times, possibly originated in what is now Iraq. They were and are grown for their fruit which are eaten fresh and dried or made into syrup, wine or vinegar. The date palm needs about 8 years before fruiting but once mature can produce 70kg of fruit or more. Date palms can live for up to 150 years.
The date palm has been used as a symbol of prosperity and triumph. Palm leaves were carried in the triumphal victory processions in Rome, by followers of Jesus when he entered Jerusalem, and are in art works are symbolically carried by martyrs.
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, he adorns the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4
It is the nature of the strong heart, that like the palm tree it strives ever upwards when it is most burdened. Philip Sidney
The Green Tau 