From the oldest Olympiads to the most modern competitions, plants have played a symbolic and ceremonial role in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
We do not know the exact origin of the Olympic Games (though there are many myths of its divine origin), but the earliest written accounts begin in 776 B.C. and are referred to as the Olympic Games of Antiquity.
Scholars say these games were secular in nature, but with so much of the Greek Pantheon drawing correlations between the divine and nature, it is no surprise that plants were incorporated into the original games.
Did you know? We can thank Theophrastus for some our current understanding of what plants the ancient Greeks used at the original Olympics Games.
Theophrastus (c. 371-286 B.C.), was called the father of botany by Carl Linneus (the father of modern botany). In his book Enquiry into plants and De Causis Plantarum (The causes of plants), Theophrastus documented and classified plants found in Greece at the time.
The modern Olympic Games (beginning in 1896) and the Paralympic Games (beginning in 1960) have incorporated many of these symbolic plants into emblems, opening ceremonies, and as ways to recognize excellence.
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) For Respect
Laurels are perhaps the most well-known symbols of victory, with images of the crown made of laurels coming to mind. But the plant had another use at the Olympic Games of Antiquity.
In the paper, Symbolic plant(s) of the Olympic Games, Professor Sophia Rhizopou writes how the ancient Greeks used laurel (or sweet bay) along with myrtle (Myrtus communis) to create fragrant garlands.
“Stems of Myrtus communis with the elegant white flowers, evergreen leaves and pleasant perfume symbolized beauty and love. Leaves of Laurus nobilis with their strong aromatic scent were used as a means of purification.”
Later, Olympic victor wore wreaths with laurels woven into them to represent victory, respect, wisdom, glory, and fame. Even now, we honor creative thinkers and peacemakers by calling them a laureatte.
The laurel still appears in modern Olympic Games, with one of the more notable uses being the Olympic Laurel Award, given by the International Olympic Committe during the opening ceremony of each Olympic Games since 2016.
Discover More: New type of laurel described by Garden scientists
Olives (Olea europaea) For Peace
According to Theophrastus, the wreaths of the Olympic Games of Antiquity were made from wild olive tree branches, or kotinos.
Olives represent both victory, but also compromise and peace. This idea continues in present day, with “extending the olive branch” being a term for seeking peace.
In modern games, the 2004 Games in Athens incorporated the wreath made from olive tree branches into the emblem for that year. Modern Olympic winners have received olive branches, such as the branch given to Tommie Smith in 1968 which you can spot in the iconic photo of Smith John Carlos raising black-gloved fists.
Date Palm (Phoenix Spp.) branches for Victory
When thinking of the plants in the Olympics, most spectators think of laurel crowns first and foremost. During the Games of Antiquity though, victors received a fruiting date palm branch before the crowing ceremony in the temple.
In 1924, French artist Jean Droit incorporated palm leaves into the official poster for the games. This poster included many other symbols of the old Olympic traditions such as the Olympic salute and semi-nude athletes.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) For Beauty
As mentioned earlier, myrtle partnered with laurel to create fragrant garlands in the Games of Antiquity. The plant can be symbolic of peace and protection, but also love and beauty.
Myrtle was associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and believed to be an aphrodisiac. Brides and grooms would wear this herb in their wedding crowns.
Discover More: New type of myrtle described by Garden scientists
Apples (Malus Spp.) For Knowledge
According to Rhizopoulou, some of the earliest Olympic Games (before 776 BC). featured apples as a coveted prize.
Apples have not continued to be part of the modern games the same way laurel and olives have, but they did make an appearance in the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony as a nod to Isaac Newton.
The Mandeville place orchard (named after Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement) in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also contains several apple trees planted in honor of Paralympic idols.
Discover More: Crop Wild Relatives of Apples
Plants 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
In 2024, France has set out to host the most sustainable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games on record. In an effort to avoid waste, France has skipped the traditional victory bouquets.
That is not to say there have been no flowers in Paris during the games. In fact, Christophe Kneblewski, a gardener for the City of Paris, created a new hybrid dahlia called the Parc Floral de Paris dahlia just for the games. The city of Paris says there are 50,000 Parc Floral de Paris dahlias on display throughout France for the games.
Discover More: Plants of France
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
Thanks to the Peter H. Raven Library for research assistance.
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