olümpiatuli

The olümpiatuli, or Olympic flame, is a prominent symbol of the modern Olympic Games. Its origin lies in ancient Greece, where fire played a significant role in religious rituals, including those honoring Zeus. The modern Olympic flame was first introduced at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and has been a continuous tradition since then.

The most iconic part of the olümpiatuli tradition is the Olympic torch relay. This relay begins in Olympia, Greece, where the flame is ignited by the sun's rays using a parabolic mirror. A torchbearer then carries the flame from Olympia to the host city of the Olympic Games. The relay route typically travels across various countries, symbolizing peace, unity, and the journey of the Games themselves. Thousands of torchbearers, often chosen for their achievements or contributions to society, participate in the relay.

The olümpiatuli is finally carried into the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony, where it is used to light the Olympic cauldron. This cauldron remains lit throughout the duration of the Games, symbolizing the continuation of the Olympic spirit. The extinguishing of the flame at the closing ceremony marks the end of the Games. The olümpiatuli represents the ideals of sportsmanship, excellence, and the bringing together of nations.