The strange connection between the October winter and olive trees
Weather of Arabia - The months of the year carry their own changes, and each of them carries with it rituals and events related to our cultures and history, and the month of October expresses an important time shift that is renewed in Palestine and other Mediterranean countries, as it is the month of “winter of October” or the beginning of autumn, as this month brings with it the first rains. But what distinguishes it is the beginning of the olive season.
October rains
The month of October is known in the Aramaic-Syriac calendar as “Tishrei Qadim and Tishrei Harai.” In the Arabic calendar, the similar period is between “October” and “Tishrei Thani.” The Syriac word “Tishreen,” which means the beginning in the Arabic language, refers to the beginning of the season. Autumn, this season is called autumn. Because it is in it that the fruits begin to ripen, and the arrival of winter is announced.
The month of October consists of 31 days , and is considered the beginning of the rainy season in the Levant. This month is called a hash in the local language; Because the earth blooms with plants, and leaves its mark on the ground just as a mark leaves a mark on animals to distinguish it. If the mark comes early in this month, it is called the “full mark,” and this indicates an abundant rain season, accompanied by the hot and dry eastern wind known as the Sharqi, which carries These winds bring with them many crawling insects and scorpions.
Popular proverbs expressing the winter of October
There are popular proverbs that express “October” in the Arab Levant, such as “Between October and October there is a second summer,” indicating the occurrence of a heat wave between October and November that may also witness the “winter of the month,” when rain falls that sheds and scatters the fruits of the pomegranate tree.
There is another proverb that says: “At the end of October, say goodbye to grapes and figs,” as many fruits wither in November, and the summer fruit season ends, and citrus fruits and some winter fruits begin, and the olive tree fruit picking season begins, and the non-evergreen leaves fall from the trees.
Olive trees in the culture of the land
Olives are an integral part of the agricultural and economic culture of many countries. Olive trees are respected and cared for, and are a vital part of the rural landscape and Arab and international cuisine. Planting and harvesting olives is a collective experience that brings together families and generations in a common mission that strengthens social ties and belonging to the land.
The olive tree , and specifically the olive branch, has occupied a special place in the hearts of people since ancient times, and is considered a global symbol of peace, wisdom, harmony, and communication. This tree directed to the world is not limited to the countries in which it grows only, but rather its effects extend to touch the entire peoples of the Earth.
In this era of great efforts to confront and adapt to the challenges of climate change, the importance of planting and caring for olive trees is increasing. In this context, the protection of cultural and environmental heritage, including natural and cultural landscapes, is an opportunity to enhance communication, share knowledge, and interact with this wonderful symbol.
The link between the October winter and olive trees
In the month of October, farmers announce their appreciation for the rain that falls in this month, as they consider it a positive indicator of the approaching good rainy season. They welcome this good news and wait for it with bated breath, especially olive farmers who are waiting for the winter of October to wash the leaves and fruits. Olive farmers are keen to pick the fruits of their crops after these rains fall because of their good effect in increasing the percentage of oil in the fruits before pressing them, which has a positive effect. On the amounts of oil extracted from the fruits.
October rains contribute to improving the agricultural season and vegetation cover, in addition to cleaning the olive trees and increasing the percentage of oil in the fruits. These rains contribute to eliminating harmful pests and insects, help save the costs of pesticides and increase the moisture content in the soil in general. These rains are considered a gift. For farmers and the environment, it helps improve agricultural conditions and reduce costs, which enhances the sustainability of agriculture, and achieves multiple benefits at the economic and environmental levels.
The October winter and the olive season form an inseparable link between time and culture in many Arab countries. As this agricultural season embodies an ancient cultural heritage and a promising future of hope, the season reflects the values of unity and cooperation, and always reminds us of the importance of caring for our land and our heritage and preserving them for future generations.
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Sources:
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