Title: Modern Olympic Symbols and Traditions
Headings: Modern Olympic Symbols and Traditions
Modern Olympic Symbols and Traditions
Flames, doves, oaths, and more
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Motto
Rings and Flag
Anthem
Flame and Torch
Release of Doves
The Olympic Oath

Content: Immortal spirit of antiquity,
Father of the true, beautiful and good,
Descend, appear, shed over us thy light
Upon this ground and under this sky
Which has first witnessed thy unperishable fame
Give life and animation to those noble games! Throw wreaths of fadeless flowers to the victors
In the race and in the strife! Create in our breasts, hearts of steel! In thy light, plains, mountains and seas
Shine in a roseate hue and form a vast temple
To which all nations throng to adore thee,
Oh immortal spirit of antiquity! Flame and Torch
The ancient Greeks believed that fire was given to mankind by Prometheus, and considered fire to have sacred qualities. Eternal flames burned in front of Greek temples, flames lit using the rays of the sun. Greek rituals also included torch relays, although this was not actually part of the ancient Olympic Games. The Olympic flame is lit in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, emphasizing the connection between the ancient Games and the modern Games. An actress playing a high priestess uses a parabolic mirror to focus the rays of the sun, igniting a flame. ( In case of cloudy weather, a backup flame is lit in advance.)