Phoenix Dactylifera or date palm and their uses in a differents culture.

The word “phoenix” comes from the Greek word that means date palm. For it part, the word “dactylifera” refers to its fruit: dates.

The date palm is believed to have originated in the lands of the entire Persian Gulf.   In ancient times it was especially abundant between the Nile and Euphrates rivers. There is archaeological evidence that it was cultivated in Arabia around 4000 BC.

Nomadic growers planted dates in the desert oases. They are thought to have been brought to Spain by the Arabs.

The palm is one of the most prominent fruit trees in the Islamic tradition. The palm tree is quoted in the Koran. It was very well embraced by the population in al-Andalus, and especially in the Nasrid kingdom of Granada (1238-1492) because of its abundant fruit.

They were usually planted next to houses or gardens.  This was a very common practice in Murcia and Andalusia. Its function was to orient the gardeners to an isolated house in the orchard.

The Date Palm Tree Symbols

It has been used as a symbol since ancient times.  To the Egyptians the date palm was a symbol of fertility. The Carthaginians stamped it on their coins and monuments.  The Greeks and Romans used it as an ornament for celebrations of victory.

In the Christian tradition the leaves represent peace and are used to remember the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The town of Elche continues to use its leaves to remember this event every Palm Sunday.

However, in ancient times its leaves were called palms and were symbols of victory.  Some medals have engravings of palms that indicate the conquest of a city.

Medicinal Uses

The date has various medicinal uses. It is an antioxidant and natural energizer. They prevent calcium loss and provides a lot of energy. It is highly recommended for athletes and children because it regulates the functioning of the nervous system (relaxing) and immune system.

Finally, it is used to keep hair, nails, mucous membranes and bones in good condition. But be careful, eating too much of it can act as a laxative.

In our Alhambra guided tours we will learn more about its secrets.