When the world came together for the closing ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, we saw tradition and symbolism combine.
Steeped in tradition, two of the most poignant moments of this global event are the passing of the Olympic flag between host cities and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame. These rituals go beyond mere ceremony; they encapsulate the spirit of the Games and the enduring values of the Olympic movement.
Passing the Olympic Flag: A Symbol of Unity and Continuity
Mayor Anne Hildalgo waves the Olympic Flag one final time for France.
The passing of the Olympic flag from one host city to the next is a powerful symbol of unity and continuity. This ritual, which takes place during the Closing Ceremony, represents the transfer of responsibility for upholding the Olympic ideals from one city to another, from one nation to another. It is a moment that bridges the past, present, and future, linking cities, nations, and cultures in a shared commitment to peace, friendship, and fair competition.
IOC President Thomas Bach hands the Olympic Flag to LA Mayor Karen Bass.
When Anne Hildalgo, Mayor of Paris handed the flag to IOC President Thomas Bach who then in turn handed it to Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, it was more than just a gesture; it was a pledge to carry forward the legacy of the Games. The flag itself, with its five interlocking rings, symbolizes the coming together of the world’s continents in the spirit of sportsmanship. As each of the three waved the flag in the stadium, it reminded us that, despite our differences, we are all part of one global community, calling on us to find ways to come together more than once every four years.
Karen Bass waves the Olympic Flag that will be housed in the City Hall of Los Angeles for the next four years, when at the end of the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, the Mayor will hand this exact flag to the Mayor of Brisbane, Australia.
The Olympic Cauldron in Tuileries Garden in Paris. (It should be noted that the “Cauldron” was not lit by flame. Rather the smokey glow was from powerful LED lights and mist machines – limiting the carbon footprint of the Olympic Games, which was a priority to France.)
The Extinguishing of the Olympic Flame: A Reflection of the Times
The Olympic flame is another powerful symbol, representing the light of knowledge, life, and the eternal quest for excellence. Traditionally, the flame is extinguished in a grand ceremony involving extinguishing the large cauldron, marking the end of the Games. This act signifies the closing of one chapter and the anticipation of the next.
The cauldron as we all know sat in Tuileries Garden the site of the first balloon flight, so it was tasked to Léon Marchand, the famed Olympic French swimmer to return the flame to the stadium.
Léon Marchand carries the Olympic flame from Tuileries Garden.
The unique cauldron of the Olympic flame had many wondering how those in Stade de France would witness the extinguishing of the flame. As with many other elements of these games, the French did not disappoint.
The decision by Paris 2024 to extinguish the flame using a lantern, rather than a cauldron, introduced a new and profound symbolism. This choice reflects a shift towards simplicity, sustainability, and a more personal connection to the Games.
Léon Marchand, IOC President Thomas Bach and athletes from the five continents and refugee team collectively blow out the Olympic flame.
By simply blowing out the flame in a lantern, the act, done by Olympians representing each of the five continents along with the refugee team, becomes intimate, almost as if the Games are being gently laid to rest, rather than dramatically ended. It speaks to a modern Olympic movement that values humility and environmental consciousness over grandeur and spectacle.
The lantern itself can be seen as a symbol of continuity. Unlike the cauldron, which is often a grand, immovable structure, the lantern is portable, allowing the flame’s spirit to travel and endure. It suggests that the light of the Olympic ideals is something that can be carried with us, even after the Games have ended. This method of extinguishing the flame is a quiet reminder that the values of the Olympics - excellence, friendship, and respect - are not confined to the stadium but can and should be part of our everyday lives.
The Evolution of Olympic Symbolism
These symbolic acts - the passing of the flag and the extinguishing of the flame - are not fixed; they evolve with the times, reflecting the world's shifting values. Early Olympic rituals were grand and extravagant, echoing a world recovering from conflict. Today, as we face challenges like climate change, inequality, and ongoing regional conflicts, these symbols are being reimagined to resonate with contemporary audiences.
In a constantly changing world, the power of Olympic symbols lies in their ability to adapt while preserving their core message. Whether through the grand gesture of a flag handover or the quiet extinguishing of a lantern’s flame, these rituals express the values that unite us as a global community and ensure that the Olympic spirit shall endure long after the Games conclude.
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