Lighting the torch flame

穿越厚重历史积淀 解读奥运圣火仪式

DRESSED in a white robe and sandals, basking in the sunshine, the high priestess, played by a Greek actress, lit the Olympic flame on Monday. Performed with traditional Greek rituals, the ceremony tells us about Olympic protocols and Greek traditions.

1. A boy is led into the ceremony

Errikos Tsezanas is 8 years old. He is the son of the ceremony director Artemis Ignatiou. His job was to pluck an olive branch and pass it to the high priestess. A boy, rather than an adult, was chosen, because children represent purity.

2. Flame lighting

The ancient Greeks worshipped fire as divine and pure. The torch was lit using reflected sunrays to guarantee its purity. If the high priestess had failed to light the flame using the sun's rays three times, then she would have used a backup flame obtained from previous rehearsals.

3. Bowl of the Olympic Flame

The high priestess preserved the flame in the bowl of the Olympic Flame after it was lit. There are three such bowls. Two are for Beijing in case the torch goes out. One will be kept in Athens until the Game is over. There is olive oil in the bowl, for purity.

4. Male dancers

This was a new part of the ceremony. Six male dancers acted out a scene from the pentathlon, an ancient Games competition combining sprinting, wrestling, the long jump, javelin and discus throwing.

5. Female dancers

The dance of the priestess was taken from sculptures from an ancient temple. It signifies the joy that the flame has been lit.

6. First torch bearer

The first bearer must kneel down to have the torch lit. When the high priestess lights up his torch, she will ask him, in ancient Greek, to tell others the Olympics are coming.
关键字:英语国际新闻
生词表: