London 2012: Olympic flame lit in Olympia
Source: independent.co.uk
The countdown to the London 2012 Olympics has begun after the Olympic Flame was lit today in Greece.
Actress Ino Menegaki, dressed in robes, played the role of high priestess in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in ancient Olympia at the traditional lighting ceremony.
Lifting a blazing torch from a parabolic mirror, the flame was lit as if beamed by the sun’s rays from the Greek god of the sun, Apollo. According to tradition, this method guarantees the purity of the flame and is the only way the Olympic flame can be lit.
The symbolic ceremony at the birthplace of the Ancient Games was conducted as the Olympic Anthem was played and the Olympic Flag was hoisted. With the Olympics being held in London, God Save The Queen was also played as the Union Flag was raised. An extract of the poem The Light Of Olympia was also recited.
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Read the full article at: independent.co.uk
Top Image: "The Olympic flame has been lit in Olympia in Greece during in a traditional ceremony. The torch relay will end at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in London on July 27. "
REUTERS/John Kolesidis/Euronews.com
Video from: YouTube.com
