(CTN News) – The little red hat, often called a liberty cap or a Phrygian cap, is a symbol of French emancipation and is the mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; however, it may not seem very powerful to people outside of the host nation.
In November 2022, the Phryges (pronounced “FREE-jes”) were revealed as the Paris Games’ mascots. The hats, according to Paris 2024, are “sporty, love to party… and are so French.”There is a lot more to the little red hats, which represent the Olympics and Paralympics, than what first greets the eye.
When the mascots were unveiled, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 organising committee, said, “We chose the Phrygian cap because it’s a very strong symbol for the French Republic.” It’s a highly well-known item that represents independence for the French and will serve as a global emblem for mascots.
The Paralympic mascot’s obvious impairment serves as another powerful message to encourage inclusivity. The hats, according to Estanguet, are on “a mission of revolution through sport.”
The caps, today recognized as a symbol of liberty and the revolution, were worn by French revolutionaries during their storming of the Bastille prison in July 1789, which ignited the French Revolution. Protesters will continue to wear the hats while marching, even today.
Aside from the French Revolution, the Phrygian hat was worn during some significant historical events in French history, including the building of the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, as well as the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
The Phrygian caps are still present today on French coins and stamps, as well as in every town hall. The Paris 2024 Phryges wear a gold “Paris 2024” emblem on their chests and are dressed in the French flag’s colours of blue, white, and red. According to Olympics.com, their eyes are formed of a “cockade of France,” which is a knot of ribbons that represents France. Regarding Olympic mascots, France has a long history.
According to NBC Olympics, the first, Shuss, was launched for the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble.
Paris 2024 Mascots with an Inclusive Purpose
The inclusive mission of Phryges was praised by the organizers of the Paris Games. Estanguet said, “We chose an ideal rather than an animal,” according to Olympics.com.
The mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are members of a broader Phryges family, according to the organizers. “They are the two main characters in a large tribe; they’re part of the Phryges family,” said Julie Matikhine, the brand director for Paris 2024, as reported by Olympics.com. ”
According to our narrative, they have existed for thousands of years and were present during several key events in French history.” “Now they have come back for this major event in France to lead a mission of revolution through sport,” she went on. The aim is to demonstrate the transformative power of sport in society.
The aim is to demonstrate the immense potential of sport and its principles. It promotes cooperation and brotherhood and advances societal progress.” The Olympic Phryge “has a mathematically-trained tactician’s brain.
The Paralympic Phryge, distinguished by its racing blade and prosthesis, “is spontaneous and full of energy and enthusiasm,” according to the NBC Olympics, while its methodical intellect and seductive attractiveness are guaranteed to motivate others to become engaged with athletics (NBC Olympics).
“Alone, we go faster, but together, we go further” is their shared slogan.
Source: Nbcnews
