The original Olympics began in Ancient Greece somewhere around 884 B.C., as a religious festival, honoring deceased heroes and various Gods, namely Zeus, the King of all Gods.
No fighting or war was allowed among soldiers during the Olympics, since it was a time to respect the Gods, and a time of peace among one another. This truce, or “ekecheiria,” means “holding of hands.” The term is Inscribed on a bronze diskos displayed at Olympia, Greece.
The ancient Greeks believed strongly in the concept of “Agon,” or “competition” and were highly competitive. The Greek word “Athlete” is a combination of two words “athlos” and “ego.”
Together, these words imply the struggle for the improvement of one’s character. Therefore, the games became about being the best athletes they could be, not only physically, but also morally and spiritually. The athletes were required to relinquish any sense of self-arrogance and enter the stadium with a contrite heart, without anger, hatred or fighting.
The ancient Olympiads also had a strong sense of Philoxenia for their competitors, which means the “love of foreigners or strangers.” The Olympic Games attracted athletes from all over the Greek world.
With the secularization of the Olympic Games around 420 A.D., much of the original significance was retained and can still be seen in today’s games. The Olympics continue to represent virtue, hospitality, peace, unity and diversity, bringing all of humankind together.
The Olympic Rings symbolize the union and meeting of the five continents, and the flame spreads a message of universal peace. At the start of every Olympics, a flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, and the Olympic Torch is then carried to the host city, establishing the connection between the ancient and modern Olympic Games.
Let’s remember the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach’s words at the 2022 Winter Olympic Closing Ceremony:
“Each and every one of you strived to achieve your personal best. We were deeply touched how you were wishing and cheering for your competitors to achieve their best as well.
You not only respected each other. You supported each other. You embraced each other, even if your countries are divided by conflict.
You overcame these divisions, demonstrating that in this Olympic community, we are all equal. We are all equal – regardless of what we look like, where we come from, or what we believe in.”
The Olympic flame is meant to symbolize that the underlying goodness and strength of the human character can never be put out and will always prevail, even in what seems the darkest of times.
The 2026 Olympics opening ceremony marked the first time an all-female honor guard introduced the national anthem.
As tradition, athletes representing Greece—the birthplace of the Olympics—led the parade of nations into the stadium.
Peace to all nations.
The Cultural Easton 