Consider how ancient rituals from Olympia influence today's Olympics! Witness Paris 2024's homage to Olympic history and its enduring traditions.
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26 Jul 2024
7 Min Read
Ruka Nakamatsu (Student Writer)
Consider how ancient rituals from Olympia influence today's Olympics! Witness Paris 2024's homage to Olympic history and its enduring traditions.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have arrived, marking the first Olympics since the global impact of COVID-19, and with them carries the weight of a pandemic that has shaped our world in profound ways. Paris 2024 blends historical tradition with modern spectacle, showcasing extraordinary athletes and serving as a global platform for progress and impact. As we watch the Olympics unfold, let's take a moment to remember how they came to be. As with the Olympic Torch Relay, join me in this three-part series, beginning with the history of the Olympics.
In the summer of 776 BC, excitement filled the air in Olympia, Greece, as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the first Olympic Games. Beyond a mere display of physical prowess, this gathering stood as a reverent homage to Zeus, the revered king of gods. Prior to the contests, athletes, judges, and trainers convened for a solemn oath to Zeus Horkios (Guardian of the Oath), vowing to uphold fairness and honour the sanctity of the event. Meanwhile, the ekecheiria, known as the Olympic Truce, secured peace among Greek city-states, ensuring safe journeys for all pilgrims to Olympia. This truce created an atmosphere where the spirit of athletic competition could flourish harmoniously, free from the spectre of conflict.
For nearly 1,200 years, the Games and their cherished traditions persevered, etching a legacy that spanned generations. However, in AD 393, during the reign of Roman Emperor Theodosius I, a decree swept across the Roman Empire, casting a shadow over ancient customs. All pagan religious ceremonies and rituals, including the hallowed Olympic Games held in Olympia, were abruptly banned. With this sweeping prohibition came the poignant end of an era—the bustling Altis of Olympia (Sanctuary of Olympia) fell silent, its once vibrant sanctuary left to fade into disuse.
Photo credits: International Olympic Committee
It's now 1896 and we're in Athens, Greece. Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian, has just announced the revival of the Olympic Games. This new chapter, the Modern Olympics, rekindles the ancient spirit of athletic competition while ushering in an era of international cooperation and cultural exchange. The world watches as the timeless ideals of the Olympics are reborn, bridging nations and celebrating human potential on a global stage. Pierre de Coubertin also established the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to govern and support the Olympic Games, founded on the ideals of international unity and peace.
As the triumphant cheers of the Games reached new heights, they were echoed by the deafening roars of World Wars—a stark reminder of the duality of human endeavour. The onset of World War I led to the cancellation of the 1916 Berlin Olympics, and World War II similarly halted the 1940 Tokyo and 1944 London Games, illustrating how fragile peace can be. Yet each time, the Games made a triumphant comeback, symbolising the enduring power of human resilience and our unwavering desire to rebuild through the unifying force of sports. In the wake of these devastating wars, the urgent need for initiatives that foster peace and understanding became clearer than ever before. The tradition of the Olympic Truce was revived by the IOC with the help of the United Nations to ensure the Games could take place amidst a cessation of hostilities.
The rich history of the ancient Olympics laid a foundation of traditions and symbols that continue to shape the Games today. When the modern Olympics revived this ancient legacy in 1896, they wove together numerous elements from their predecessors, creating a vibrant tapestry of rituals and symbols.
Photo credits: Olympics.com
The Olympic Flame, honouring an ancient tradition of a sacred fire symbolising the eternal power of the Greek gods, is ignited at the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror by the High Priestess. This magical moment marks the beginning of the Olympic Torch Relay. From there, the flame embarks on its own thrilling odyssey, traversing vast seas and landscapes to reach the host city, drawing a unique map that connects the ancient and modern Games. This year, the Torch Relay spans 68 stages through the picturesque landscapes of France, featuring vibrant celebrations open to the public. This spectacle marks progress since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where public attendance was restricted due to the pandemic. The relay now represents not just the Games' spirit but also the resilience and unity of a progressing world.
Since its creation in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, another iconic symbol has been shining brightly—the Olympic Rings. This universally recognised emblem intertwines five rings, each in a different colour, set against a white background. The colours blue, yellow, black, green, red, and white were selected because each appeared on the flag of every nation competing at the time of its design. These five rings not only symbolise the unity of the five continents but also embody the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games across generations.
Photo credits: International Olympic Committee
In the same way that the Olympic rings symbolise unity through their interlocking colours, the Olympic motto eloquently encapsulates the essence and principles of the Games. Coined by Coubertin, the motto ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (Faster, Higher, Stronger) embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unwavering determination for progress that resonates with Olympic athletes around the globe. In 2021, the IOC enriched the Olympic motto by adding the word ‘Together,’ transforming it into ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter.’ This change highlights the significance of solidarity and unity, especially amidst global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This addition emphasises the collaborative spirit of the Olympics, reminding us of the infinite possibilities and new heights that can be reached when people join forces and work together.
These ideals are brought to life in a grand spectacle at the beginning of each Olympic Games: the opening ceremonies. Just as the motto sets the tone for the Games, the opening ceremonies mark the official commencement of the event, celebrating the convergence of athletes, cultures, and nations.
The Parade of Nations is typically held in the main stadium of the host city, so naturally, many expected this year's event to take place at the Stade de France. However, this year we watch the Parade of Nations navigate the Seine River, transforming the ceremony into an unforgettable spectacle. Athletes pass by Paris's iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, bringing them closer to the public. This innovative approach makes the event more inclusive, inviting Parisians and visitors alike to experience the Olympic spirit up close. Not only is this a first, but it is also the largest Parade of Nations held in the history of the Games.
As the Games unfold, the spirit of unity and competition flourishes, culminating in a poignant moment: the Parade of Athletes at the closing ceremony. Unlike the Parade of Nations, where athletes proudly march under their national flags, the Parade of Athletes unites all participants as one unified group. This symbolic procession celebrates the friendships and camaraderie forged throughout the Games, showcasing enduring bonds that transcend national borders. Gracefully merging into the closing ceremony, it signifies the official culmination of the Olympic Games. The Olympic flame, a beacon that has illuminated the Games throughout, will be ceremoniously extinguished, marking the conclusion of the current Olympics and signalling the beginning of the journey towards the next chapter in Olympic history.
This marks the end of chapter one of our journey into the fascinating world of the Olympics and all it has to offer. We've explored the rich history, the spirit of unity and competition, and the iconic moments that define the Games. But remember, this is just the beginning. There are many more stories, traditions, and inspirational athletes to discover. Stay tuned for more as we continue to delve deeper into the Olympic experience, uncovering the remarkable events and the enduring legacy of the Games. The journey is far from over, and there's so much more to learn and celebrate!
Ruka Nakamatsu is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Taylor's University. A voracious reader with an insatiable curiosity, she constantly delves into diverse topics, always on the lookout for the next great story to write.
