Olympic Traditions
By: Avery Calvert
The Olympic Games are known for their fabulous ceremonies and famous symbols, but how did these traditions come to be? Throughout the years, the Olympics have developed many important traditions. Here are a few important ones that have always left a significant impact.
In 1908 the first Olympic Opening Ceremony occurred in London. For the first time, athletes marched into the stadium behind their nations’ flags. During this procession, the Greek team always enters first followed by the rest of the countries except the host country. The host country always walks in last. The nations walk in alphabetical order according to the language of the host country. While playing the Olympic hymn, the Olympic flag is raised, the Olympic Torch Relay happens, and the Olympic Torch is lit. After the Olympic Oath and Creed are recited, the Olympic Games are officially open. This ceremony is a time for the host country to welcome the rest of the world and share the best parts of their culture.
The Olympic Rings, featured on the Olympic flag, symbolize the unifying spirit of the Olympics. Six representative colors (blue, yellow, black, green, red, and white) depicted as five rings represent the major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Designed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, he said “the six colors thus combined reproduce those of all nations without exception.” Coubertin wanted the Olympics to unify the globe and he reflected that in the symbolism he chose.
The Olympic Torch and Torch Relay were first introduced in the 1936 Olympics. The idea is that the Olympic Flame starts at Olympia, where the ancient Olympics were held, and ends where the current Olympics is being held. This year the Olympic torch traveled from Greece to France by boat and was then carried throughout France. This journey started in April of this year and finished at the Opening Ceremony on July 26th.
The Closing Ceremony celebrates the international unity that the Olympics promotes. The torch is passed to the next host city, there are special performances, and the Olympic athletes bid farewell to athletes from other countries. My favorite closing ceremony was the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018. It featured one of my favorite K-pop groups, EXO, and I believe it really showcased South Korea’s culture. This year’s closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 11th.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the Olympics and these Olympic blogs! We will start back with our regularly scheduled blogs in September. Until then, please continue to check out what’s happening on our Instagram @the.willingham.
