Fig Tree

The Fig Tree is native from West Asia, where it started to spread in the countries of the Mediterranean area. Together with wheat and olives, its fruits were the first type of food source in the Mediterranean civilisation.The fig has been mentioned in myths and legends for a long time. It was a sacred plant to Bacco, whose figure was carved into the wood of the fig tree as protection of the fields and the harvest. It is one of the most mentioned trees in the Bible along with the olive tree and the grapevine. In ancient Egypt it was a symbol of the knowledge of mysteries.
In Asia it is a symbol of male fertility representing the power of life and seat of the elementary spirits. It is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, as it is a symbol of knowledge and truth. Buddha had its enlightenment under a Fig tree. In Islam the fig is called "Tree of Paradise" and in the traditions of Oceania "Tree of Life". It is told that the basket with Romulus and Remus, which were intended to die, as dragged by the current of the river Tiber , ran aground miraculously into a muddy cove under a fig tree. The ancients used "fig milk" to treat dermatitis, toothache and warts.