Why does the olive branch mean peace?

The Olive branch has been used as a symbol for peace and goodwill for thousands of years. The symbolism is related to the biblical story of Noah and the great flood. Noah sends out a dove to find and bring back evidence of dry land. The dove returns with a olive leaf in its beak, as proof that the flood had subsided. The story of Noah could be used to show the struggle between Man and God. God has sent a flood to destroy all but the best of Mankind, and sending the dove with the olive leaf is Gods way of telling Mankind [Noah] that the war or struggle between them is over.