Why is the olive branch the symbol of peace? The olive branch has been regarded as a peace symbol right down the ages; and the dove that Noah sent from the Ark returned when the Flood had abated with an olive leaf; hence an emblem of peace. Both in ancient Greece and Rome the olive twig signified peaceful intentions; and at the Olympic Games a crown of wild olives was awarded. There are also records of brides carrying garlands of olives; just as brides carry orange blossoms to-day: young children are sometimes called "Olive Branches". In heraldry a dove bearing an olive branch is used as a charge. Illustration for one of a set of 50 "Do You Know?" cigarette cards issued by Carreras in 1939.