The Olympic Flame is one of the most enduring symbols of the Olympic Games, representing peace, unity, and the enduring spirit of competition. But how did this tradition start, and what does it signify? Here’s a look at the origins and historical significance of the Olympic Flame.
Ancient Origins
The tradition of the Olympic Flame harks back to ancient Greece, where fire was considered a divine element, believed to have been stolen from the gods by Prometheus. During the ancient Olympic Games, a sacred flame was continuously burned in the sanctuary of Hestia in Olympia, Greece. It symbolized the theft of fire and the enlightenment it brought to humanity.
Modern Revival
The Olympic Flame as we know it today was introduced in the modern Olympic Games at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. However, the idea of lighting a flame in a celebratory cauldron was first realized in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This event marked the beginning of the relay tradition.
The Torch Relay
Carl Diem, a sports administrator, proposed the relay for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The flame is lit by the sun using a parabolic mirror in Olympia to emphasize the connection to the ancient games. It’s then passed from one bearer to another, symbolizing the passing of a peaceful message around the world.