The ancient tradition of carving has been handed down from father to son over the generations, and it continues to be strong to this very day in the Bethlehem region of the Holyland, and is dominated by the descendants of the original local carvers.
It was during the 4th century CE, under Byzantine rule in Bethlehem that the tradition of making olive wood handicrafts began. To this day, Bethlehem is the main city that produces the craft. It is Greek Orthodox monks who taught the local residents how to skillfully carve olive wood, and with time, the art developed and became one of Bethlehem’s major industries. Over time the industry spread to the neighboring towns of Beit Sahour and Beit Jala. Most professional artisans go through at least six to seven years of training.
Today, the industry continues to be a major source of income for Bethlehem's Palestinian Christian residents and is the most profitable tourist product in the city with the main purchasers being Christian pilgrims visiting in Christmas time.
A wide range of products can be carved from olive wood, including small hand crosses, boxes, picture frames, covers for historical and old books, candle holders, rosaries, Christmas ornaments and nativities as well as large intricate carvings of Jesus, the Holy family, Last Supper Scenes, that take pride of place in schools, churches and other public buildings. It can take a skilled carver several months to make one of these intricate carvings.
Due to the uniqueness of each piece of olive wood, each piece is unique and are destined to become heirlooms for generations to come.
Perhaps you have you visited the Holy Land in the past and bought some of these beautiful items, and regret not bringing back more with you. Or perhaps, visiting the Holy Land is something that remains a distant dream right now. Well now you have no need to worry. www.HolyRoses.com sells handmade olive wood products and carvings direct from Bethlehem, the Holy Land at affordable prices. Each one is made with love and attention to detail by skilled artisans and will be sent to you ready to be gifted to your nearest and dearest.
These olive wood products are ideal Christmas Gifts, Easter Gifts, First Communion Gifts, Baptism Gifts, Teachers’ Gifts or as a gift for retreat or conference participants.
See www.holyroses.com to see some of the wide range of products that are available. Looking for something specific that you have been unable to source elsewhere, then you should contact the site owner, who is able to source a wide range of difficult to find items direct from Bethlehem.
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