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Why is the torch lit at the Olympics?
The idea for the Olympic flame was derived from ancient Greece, where a sacred fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics on the altar of the sanctuary of Hestia. In Ancient Greek mythology, fire had divine connotations – it was thought to have been stolen from the gods by Prometheus.
Why was lighting the Olympic torch significant in 1968?
The Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, and retraced the steps of Christopher Columbus, discoverer of the New World. This theme celebrated the link between Latin-American and Mediterranean civilizations. The torch had covered a total distance of 13,620 km including the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the purpose of a torch?
A torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source. Torches have been used throughout history, and are still used in processions, symbolic and religious events, and in juggling entertainment.
Who lights the Olympic torch?
star Naomi Osaka
Tennis star Naomi Osaka of Japan had the distinct honour of serving as the final torchbearer of the Olympic Torch Relay, lighting the cauldron inside Olympic Stadium for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in 2021. Osaka, 23, is a four-time major champion in tennis who is making her Olympic debut.
Who gets to light the Olympic torch?
final torchbearer
Who gets to light the Olympic cauldron? The final torchbearer, who lights the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony, is typically a famous athlete, or athletes, from the host country.
What does a torch symbolize?
Thus the mastery of fire, now wielded purposefully by humankind, has universally represented culture and civilization with the torch being a symbol of liberty, freedom, inspiration, knowledge, and teaching.
How does the Olympic torch work?
At the ceremony, a parabolic mirror and the sun’s rays are used to ignite the Olympic flame. The flame is then passed on to the first torchbearer of the Olympic torch relay. The lighting ceremony was held on March 12, 2020, shortly before the Games were officially postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does the lighting of the torch symbolize?
The Olympic torch relay: “a symbol of peace, friendship, tolerance and hope” “It makes you realise the meaning of the flame and that it is a symbol of the Olympic message of peace, friendship, tolerance and hope.
What does the flame represent in the Olympics?
Olympic flame meaning The flame represents the fire that Prometheus stole from the god Zeus in Greek mythology. Prometheus then gave the gift of fire to humanity, which helped it grow towards civilisation. The tradition of lighting a flame during the Games started way back in Ancient Greece.
What is the Olympic torch and what does it symbolize?
“It makes you realise the meaning of the flame and that it is a symbol of the Olympic message of peace, friendship, tolerance and hope. When people see the flame, they begin to properly realise the Games are here, and it always brings a good feeling to a nation.