Phrygian: The Olympic Mascot
Tuesday, 30 July 2024 - 10:07 am
The Olympic Games are set to retu to Paris, France, for the 33rd time, running from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
This year, the lucky mascot for the Olympics is 'Phrygian.' Named after the iconic Phrygian cap, which historically symbolized freedom in France, this hat became emblematic of the French Revolution. The association with the Phrygian cap was officially documented in May 1790, reflecting its significance as a symbol of liberty and revolutionary spirit.
The Phrygian Cap, also known as the Liberty Cap, is a soft, conical hat with a distinctive bent tip, traditionally wo in Easte Europe, Anatolia, and Asia. Ancient Greek Phrygia was located in what is now central Turkey, historically a hub of cultural exchange in the region.
The earliest known use of the Phrygian cap can be traced back to the Scythians, Medes, and Persians among the Iranian peoples. The Greeks recognized one variation of this hat as characteristic of their easte neighbors, leading them to name it the 'Phrygian cap.' This iconic hat appears in various depictions of King Midas and other Phrygians on Greek vases and sculptures. Typically made from fur or smooth leather, the Phrygian cap influenced military helmet designs during the late Hellenistic period, with helmets featuring similar peaks.
The cap was also wo by Dacian warriors during Trajan's Dacian War, which took place under the reign of Emperor Trajan. Notably, a prisoner depicted on the 3-meter-tall statue of Trajan in the ancient city of Laosia is shown wearing a Phrygian cap, highlighting its significance in that era.
The “Phrygian Cap,” which will serve as the mascot for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, has long been a symbol of freedom in French history. This iconic hat is prevalent in French art and institutions, representing the Republic and its values. Phrygian caps are often depicted on the head of Marianne, a notable figure found in every town hall. They appear on coins, stamps, and various everyday items throughout France. Also known as the Liberty Cap, the Phrygian cap has become a powerful emblem of the French Republic.
On November 14, 2022, the Phrygian mascot was officially unveiled as the emblem for the upcoming Summer and Paralympic Games in France.
The mascot for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Phrygian (left), is shown alongside the Paralympics mascot (right), both proudly carrying France’s flag.
— Ruwan Tarasvin
