The Olympic flame is a symbol recognized to the depths of the world. a symbol that represents the noble concept of the Olympic Games and is passed down from generation to generation. fire is a purifying element in itself and has marked the beginning of civilization on earth. Therefore, its use in the Olympics is justified, since the games highlight a global idea of peace, solidarity and sportsmanship. and the lighting of the Olympic flame is an event that attracts worldwide attention every time.
There is great symbolism in each element that makes up the Olympic flame lighting ceremony. above all, the fire itself and then the words spoken by the high priestess, the sacred olive tree and the place where the entire ceremony takes place. In a timeless circle, all these elements are connected and the true spirit of the Olympic Games continues intact, inspiring the world since ancient times and even today.
Prometheus and the fire
according to myth, prometheus stole fire from zeus and the gods on mount olympus. he did not use it for himself, but gave it to men. this was the beginning of society as we know it. civilization flourished, thanks to the unlimited possibilities offered by fire. men were able to tame nature and use materials such as metals to their advantage. without fire, modern society would probably not exist. the fire gave birth to the omnipotence of man.
lighting of the Olympic flame: the modern concept & old background
Although the idea of the Olympic Games dates back to ancient times, the same cannot be said for the lighting of the Olympic flame. There is, however, a strong correlation between the modern Olympic flame and the flame that remained vibrant on Hera’s altar in ancient Olympia. During the ancient Olympic games, this fire never stopped burning. it was a symbol of the athletes desire to win.
based on ancient ritual, the lighting of the olympic flame was first introduced in 1928 during the olympic games in amsterdam. Without the Olympic Flame torch relay (which began in 1936 in Berlin), a simple fire was lit on the spot. Since the link between past and present was so strong, this ritual was then enriched. and established itself as a herald of the upcoming Olympic games.
ancient olympia
ancient olympia is the heart of the olympic games. In ancient Greece, athletes met and competed with each other, with sportsmanship prevailing. during the olympic games, the war ceased in honor of the gods. and the winners traveled back to their hometown, where a huge celebration was held. the city walls were torn down, highlighting the power of the Olympic victors. this was the highest honor an athlete could receive, along with the laurel wreath and olive branch upon winning.
in the temple of hera, the priestesses go to the altar and then to the stadium. they are dressed in archaic garments and the high priestess first stops at the sacred olive tree on the spot. a boy cuts an olive branch and hands it over, as a symbol of world peace. Arriving at the stadium, the high priestess lights the flame in the cauldron. the sun’s rays are reflected in the cauldron and ignite the flame. then, the first runner’s torch is lit and the journey begins. the flame will pass through greece and then follow a set route to the country that hosts the olympic games.
in the sacred land of olimpia, the high priestess exclaims: “sacred silence may the sky, the earth, the sea and the winds sound. the mountains silence the sounds and the trills of the birds cease for febus, the king bearer of light will keep us company… apollo, god of light and of the idea of light, send your rays and light the sacred torch for the hospitable city and you, oh zeus, send peace to all the peoples of the earth and crown the winners of the sacred game”. his invocation ends with a reference to the winners of the Olympic games, urging them to try harder and harder. it is a noble game, which requires the highest spirit of all athletes.
the timeless concept of lighting the Olympic flame
The Olympic Games have been a major event for the people of the earth since their inception. they have shaped a world where peace prevails, no war or suffering adheres. strong athletes compete and the strongest wins. there is unanimous acceptance of the winner and the courage of the other athletes only adds to their glory.
In a world where everything is monetized and seen as a commodity, the Olympics should be a beacon of the true Olympic spirit. they should remind us all of the very essence of humanity. where glory comes from hard work and supremacy is the result of nothing artificial. fairness is a given and nothing stands in the way of judging athletes fairly.
Furthermore, the glory does not belong only to the winner of the game. the glory is within all who participate in this important event. paying tribute to the gods and nature, different peoples of the world come together and enjoy a unique show.
tokyo olympic games 2020
The next olympic flame lighting ceremony will take place in ancient olympia on march 12, 2020. the hellenic olympic committee, together with its international counterpart and the tokyo organizers have just announced the date. “hope lights our way” is the theme selected for the relay of the olympic flame and, in fact, it incorporates the essence of the olympic games. hope, a feeling that needs to be revived and improved, no matter what. Without hope, humanity has no chance.
the flame will arrive in japan at the end of march and the next olympic games will start on july 24, 2020. another show of solidarity, with hundreds of countries participating in this athletic celebration. a celebration that goes beyond borders and knows no borders. a magnificent athletic event, following in the footsteps of the ancient world.