In Greek times, Kotinos. Or Olympus.
sacred olive tree wreath (Kotinos)
sacred olive tree wreath (Kotinos)
In ancient Greece, if you won a boxing match, the prize was usually a wreath made of wild olive leaves. This wreath, called the "kotinos," was considered a great honor and symbolized victory in the sporting event. It was a prestigious accolade that recognized the skill and strength of the boxer.
Unlike today, champions were not given gold, silver, and bronze medals during the first Olympic games in ancient Greece. Instead, ancient Olympic victors were awarded an olive branch twisted into a circle to form a crown. The wild olive, called kotinos, had deep religious significance for the ancient Greeks
A wreath of olive branches was placed on the winner's head at the ancient Olympics in Greece.
A crown of leaves, known as a laurel wreath, were given to the winners of the Olympic games because of their association with Apollo. He is often represented wearing a laurel wreath around his head.
VICTORY CEREMONIESThe Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the spectators cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory. The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath, or kotinos, on the winner's head.
There were a multitude. Games were held in a four year cycle (called an olympiad) with a different one each year. They are collectively known as the Panhellenic Games. They were: The Olympic games, held every four year at Olympia in honor of Zeus. The winners (no silver or bronze here) won a kotinos, or a wreath of olive branches made from a sacred tree near the temple of Zeus. The next year would be for the Isthmian Games, which were held every two years starting the year after the Olympics. They were held at Corinth and were to honor Poseidon. The winners would receive a wreath made of pine. The next year saw the Nemean Games, which were held every 2 years on the 2nd and 4th years of an Olympiad. They were held at Nemea and were also to honor Zeus. Winners won a wreath of wild celery leaves. The third olympiad saw the Pythian Games. They were held every four years at Delphi and honored Apollo. Winners of the Pthyian games would receive the famous laurel wreath.
In Greek mythology, the laurel crown is associated with victory, honor, and wisdom. Apollo, being the god of music, poetry, and archery, wears the laurel crown as a symbol of his achievements in those areas. It is also said that the laurel was a sacred plant to Apollo.
Zeus -thunderbolts and also eagle (some say he had an eagle shield) Poseidon - trident, horse, water Hades - Helmet, Metals, Jewels (dark) Apollo - lyre, bow Hermes - caduceus, winged sandals/helmet Hephaestus - hammer, fire, tools Ares - spear, shield, vulture Hera - crown, peacock (feathers) Athena - armor, owl, olive branch Artemis - bow, stag, moon? Aphrodite - belt, dove, shell Demeter - cornucopia, flowers, growth Hestia - torch, fire