The φοῖνιξ (phoenix palm, date palm) was valued throughout the Mediterranean for its fruit, timber, and symbolic significance. Palm branches became emblems of victory and celebration in Jewish tradition. John 12:13 describes the crowd taking τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων ('branches of palm trees') to wave as they welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, shouting 'Hosanna!' In Revelation 7:9, the great multitude before God's throne holds φοίνικες in their hands—palm branches now signifying not earthly victory but eternal triumph in the presence of the Lamb.