The Olympic Games 2012 in London, England are just around the corner. The one thing that I’ve always been intrigued about is the Olympic Flame and the way it is carried via the Torch Relay from Greece to the host country. During the Ancient Games, a continual flame was burned on the altar of Hera, calling for a sacred truce through the duration of the Games.
Today, the Flame begins from the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, travels through the ruins of the Ancient Games, and is transferred to the Games’ host country at the Panathenaiko Stadium in Athens during a ritualistic ceremony.
When it arrives at its destination or host country it is then relayed around the region to electrify and excite the fans. The flame is then used to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies, where it rests for the duration of the event. The Flame is then extinguished on the last day of the Olympic Games at the Closing Ceremony.
The Olympic Flame signifies peace, unity, and friendship. When all is said and done, it will have been carried by 8,000 people who have inspired the world in one way or the other, through over 1,000 cities, towns, and villages in the United Kingdom.
If you’re interested in tracking the 2012 Flame and its route, you can do so on the official London Olympic Games Website.
And I Wonder Why... 