On the eve of the Olympic Games in Sochi, many people are interested in the history of the Olympic Games.Despite the fact that such competitions are held every four years, it had not had so much information on this subject.For example, few people would have with your own eyes to see how light the Olympic flame.But nowadays everyone can see this ritual on the Internet or on TV.But many do not understand its meaning and why it is such a way must be lit symbol of the Olympics.
tradition to hold the Olympic Games originated in Greece around 1000 BC.At this time, we stop all wars, and representatives of different cities have proven their superiority is not in battle, and in sports.Were the games every four years, nearly a thousand years, until they were banned for religious reasons.
Only in the late 19th century, this tradition was revived.And since 1896 the world every four years, the Olympic Games are held.They kept all the old traditions, such as the Olympic flame symbols or games.In ancient times, the winners of the competition were given an olive branch and a cup of olive oil.Mandatory attribute was the lighting of the sacred fire.At that time, he was worshiped and considered the gift of the gods.
first Olympic flame was lit in a bowl of Marathon tower in Amsterdam during the games in 1928.It symbolizes peace and friendship, the fight for the victory and the pursuit of perfection.Since this tradition is accompanied by all the international Olympics.Where to ignite the Olympic flame?
This action takes place in the homeland of the Olympic Games - in Greece.As before, it is lit in Olympia, on the ruins of the temple of Hera.Now it is doing the actress, dressed in clothes of the ancient priestesses.This is done in just a few months before the games, and it burns them to the end.Allow spectators to the ceremony, and everyone can watch how light the Olympic flame.
This character travels to all countries participating in the Olympics.Torch relay was held for the first time in the 30 years of the 20th century, and since then has carried the torch across the world's most famous athletes, passing it to each other.Most often it is the runners, but sometimes the fire is traveling by bike, kayak and even a reindeer sleigh.Only in the first day of the Games in the Olympic flame is lit in the stadium bowl.Who is going to do, it is known at the last minute.As
lit the Olympic flame?As in ancient times, this is done by the sun's rays that are focused special parabolic mirror.The ceremony itself is very beautiful, accompanied by dances, competitions of fighters.All the participants are dressed in Greek tunics.
main actors of the process - it is 11 girls, symbolizing the priestesses of the temple of Hera.Home they brought the torch to the mirror, and it breaks out.From it ignited a fire in a special cup, which carries a priestess to the ancient stadium.Raising the cup, it appeals to the gods.In addition to the fire lit in the stadium has a special lamp.They are necessary if the fire chief for some reason goes out, and this has already happened.
priestess accompanied by a young Greek with an olive branch.This branch and a torch relay passed to the player.Usually it is a Greek who starts to carry the Olympic torch in the other countries.After that, the sky is released a white dove, symbolizing peace.
this beautiful ancient ceremony can now watch all the people on every continent.If desired, one can learn how to light the Olympic flame.
