What is the significance of the olive branch in the olympic games

In the beginning the prize of winners were a sacred apple, but after prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi, the winners had to be crowned with a wreath of "kotinos", Wild fruitful olive tree. Olive tree that was used as "kotinos" was called "Kallistefanos" and was in the Sacred Grove.

A small boy, whom both parents was alive, cut with gold scissors 17 branches later 18 as the number of Olympic sports. Asked why so few Greeks were defending the city, one Greek soldier replied that the Olympic games were underway. When Xerxes asked what splendid prize had tempted so many leaving their home vulnerable, the Greek solider replied the champion would receive only a wild olive wreath. Get your plant on.

Email Address. Photo: Wine Country. Wild Earth. Matt Gibson. Most Popular. The branches were always cut from a special wild olive tree growing in the nearby sacred wood of Altis. The branches were cut with a golden knife and kept in the Temple of Hera. From then on, the olive branch was identified with the goddess Nike Victory who held in her hand a branch or crown of olive.

During the Olympic Games, hostilities ceased and people from all corners of Greece came to compete.