How does the Olympic fire stay lit?
After a rainstorm doused the Olympic flame a few days after the games had opened, an official re-lit the flame using a cigarette lighter. Organizers quickly doused it again and re-lit it using a backup of the original flame.
What is the difference between the Olympic flame and the Olympic torch?
The Significance of Olympic Torch and Olympic Flame. The Olympic torch is said to be the symbol of the Olympic Movement. The flame reflects continuity between the ancient Olympic games and modern Olympic games and also denotes the positive bond that man has with fire.
Where does the lighting of the Olympic flame take place?
Modern Lighting of the Olympic Flame. The lighting of the flame and its transfer to a torch that will be carried to the host country’s stadium is now an elaborate ceremony intended to replicate ancient customs. The modern Olympic flame is ignited at the site where the temple of Hera used to stand.
What happens if the Olympic Flame is extinguished?
“The actual Olympic flame is always lit somewhere else,” says Howland. In the case of a torch being extinguished, she says it’s most likely that it would be taken back to this flame to be relit (although, with the security precautions necessary, that could cause “hours-long delays.”)
Where was the first Olympic torch relay held?
The ritual of the Olympic torch relay originated not in ancient Greece, but in Nazi Germany. At a solemn ceremony in Olympia, Greece, on July 20, 1936, the searing rays of the midday sun, concentrated by a parabolic mirror, kindled the Olympic flame.
Why was the Olympic flame important in Ancient Olympia?
According to the Ancient Myth of Prometheus, who stole the power of fire from the Zeus, fire is the symbol of life, rationalism and freedom as well as inventiveness and was symbolised by the ageless flame that used to burn on the Altar of Prytaneion in Ancient Olympia throughout the celebration of the Ancient Olympics.