In Greece, the Olympic flame has been lit for the London 2012 games, and what's kind of nifty is that that the ceremony took place amid the Temple of Hera ruins, by the ancient Olympic Games stadium.
The flame is meant to represent purity, as a gift from the sun. Although there was one moment of panic when the flame went out briefly, the ceremony otherwise proceeded as normal. Here's one thing that's interesting, though - the ceremony was held featuring actresses dressed as priestesses.
Seriously? It's Greece - they couldn't find an actual Hellenic high priestess or five to be part of the ceremony?
Be sure to read: Pagan Origins of the Olympic Games.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said, "We have come to the ancestral home of the Olympic movement to light a flame that will soon cast its glow over the entire world. The flame that we kindle here, from the pure rays of the sun, is a powerful symbol of the tradition and values that underlie our movement. It is a beacon for the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect... a symbol of fellowship and peace."
The 2012 flame will travel around 1,800 miles through Greece, and then fly to the UK on May 18 to begin an 8,000 mile journey around the country. It is due to reach the Olympic Stadium in Stratford on July 27 for this year's opening ceremonies.
Wondering about Hellenic Paganism? Be sure to read:
Gods of the Ancient Greeks
What is Hellenic Polytheism?
Reading List for Hellenic Pagans
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
The flame is meant to represent purity, as a gift from the sun. Although there was one moment of panic when the flame went out briefly, the ceremony otherwise proceeded as normal. Here's one thing that's interesting, though - the ceremony was held featuring actresses dressed as priestesses.
Seriously? It's Greece - they couldn't find an actual Hellenic high priestess or five to be part of the ceremony?
Be sure to read: Pagan Origins of the Olympic Games.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said, "We have come to the ancestral home of the Olympic movement to light a flame that will soon cast its glow over the entire world. The flame that we kindle here, from the pure rays of the sun, is a powerful symbol of the tradition and values that underlie our movement. It is a beacon for the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect... a symbol of fellowship and peace."
The 2012 flame will travel around 1,800 miles through Greece, and then fly to the UK on May 18 to begin an 8,000 mile journey around the country. It is due to reach the Olympic Stadium in Stratford on July 27 for this year's opening ceremonies.
Wondering about Hellenic Paganism? Be sure to read:
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
they couldn’t find an actual Hellenic high priestess or five to be part of the ceremony?
Greece has an established church. Hellenismos within Greece, sadly, is of dubious legality there. The government has a hard time allowing Hellenic groups to exist and meet, let alone take part in an official ceremony.
This is why rthe US’s tradition of religious freedom is so precious.