Phrygian cap chosen as mascot for 2024 Paris Olympics, Paralympics
The Phrygian cap has its place in history, as it had been seen as a symbol of the fight for freedom during the French Revolution.
As Paris gets set to host the 2024 Olympics and subsequently the Paralympics, all thoughts were on what the mascots for the games will be. The wait is finally over, and the mascot has been revealed by the organisers.
A Phrygian cap. That is what the mascot looks like. In case you aren’t aware, the Phrygian cap is a soft cap in red. It also goes by the name of liberty cap. The cap is actually an updated variant of a conical hat worn in antiquity.
Going down history, such caps are known to be worn by people of Persia, the Balkans, Thrace, Dacia and Phrygia. In case you are wondering where Phrygia is, it is a place in modern day Turkey.
The cap has its place in history, as it had been seen as a symbol of the fight for freedom during the French Revolution. The cap is still seen on the figure of Marianne, the national personification of France since the revolution.
Phrygian cap mascot sports a friendly smile and has blue eyes
So this Phrygian cap has been adopted as mascot for the games of 2024. Triangular in shape, the mascot sports a friendly smile and has blue eyes. The adornments include a tricolour ribbon and big bright hued sneakers. For the Paralympics, the mascot has been made in such a way that it walks on a prosthetic leg that extends up to knee.
The prosthetic makes the mascot the first that shows a visible disability. It is believed that this feature would send out an inclusive message to disabled people around the world. This is seen as significant because, most of the time people with disabilities are rendered invisible in society. Paris 2024 could prove to be a tool that could change such notions. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26-August 11, 2024, and the Paralympics from August 28-September 8.
Represents the ideal
While there are people who wonder why a cap has been made the mascot, the organisers are clear about the strategy. They had zeroed in on the cap as mascot because they wanted something that represented an ideal. The cap was the right choice as it can be seen as an allegory of freedom, said a report quoting the organisers.
To be known as “Les Phryges,” the mascot will be popularised by way of merchandise which is going on sale. Merchandise will be made of various material including fabric developed in the French region of Brittany, and as toys manufactured in China.
