Olympic symbols
Origins and History
The Olympic symbols are icons, flags, and symbols used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote the Olympic Games. Some, such as the flame, fanfare, and theme, are more commonly used during the Olympic competition, but others, such as the flags, can be seen throughout the years.
The Olympic flag was first flown during the 1920 Olympic Games. Its design is symbolic; it consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions (the Olympic rings), used alone, in one or in five different colors, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The rings are interlaced to show the universality of Olympism and the meeting of the athletes of the world during the Olympic Games.
On the Olympic flag, the rings appear on a white background. Combined in this way, the six colors of the flag (including the white background) represent all nations. It is a misconception, sometimes perpetuated in official Olympic material, that each ring color represents a particular continent.
Olympic Motto and Creed
The Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius," a Latin expression meaning "Faster, Higher, Stronger" was proposed by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 and has been official since 1924. The motto encourages athletes to embrace the Olympic spirit and perform to the best of their abilities.
The Olympic Creed, introduced by Pierre de Coubertin, states: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Olympic Flame and Torch Relay
The Olympic flame is a symbol used in the Olympic movement. It is also a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. Several months before the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece. This ceremony starts the Olympic torch relay, which formally ends with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The flame then continues to burn in the cauldron for the duration of the Games, until it is extinguished during the Olympic closing ceremony.
Olympic Medals
The Olympic medals awarded to winners are another symbol associated with the Olympic games. The medals are made of gold-plated silver (commonly described as gold medals), silver, or bronze, and awarded to the top 3 finishers in a particular event.
Olympic Mascots
Since the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, the Olympic Games have had a mascot. The Olympic mascots are fictional characters, usually an animal native to the area or occasionally human figures, who represent the cultural heritage of the place where the Olympic and Paralympic Games are taking place. The mascots are often used to help market the Olympic Games to a younger audience, in particular toddlers and children.
Olympic Anthem
The Olympic Anthem, also known informally as the Olympic Hymn, is played when the Olympic Flag is raised. It was composed by Spyridon Samaras with words from a poem of the Greek poet and writer Kostis Palamas. The anthem was first performed for the ceremony of opening of the first edition at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.