The Olympics: Discover the Powerful Significance of Flowers At The Games
The relationship between flowers and the Olympic Games is older than the modern Games themselves – stretching back to the olive wreaths placed on victors’ heads in ancient Olympia. From unforgettable ceremonies to victory bouquets and medal design, floral symbolism has been woven into the fabric of the Games for centuries.
Paris 2024, notably, broke with tradition entirely. More on that below.
The Olympics: A History of Flowers at the Games
- The Origin of Flowers at the Olympics
- The Evolution of Olympic Floral Design
- Floral Symbolism at the Olympics
- Flowers and Foliage in Olympic Medal Designs
- Ceremony Florals and Victory Bouquets
- Three Memorable Floral Moments in Olympic History
- The Future of Floral Symbolism at the Games
- Paris 2024 and the Olympic Flame Dahlia
- Paris’ Olympic Gardens and Parks
- DIY: Crafting Your Own Olympic-Themed Bouquet
1. The History of Flowers at the Olympics
The connection between flowers and the Olympics begins in ancient Greece, specifically in the city of Olympia. These games were more than sport; they were part of a religious festival celebrating Zeus, the king of the Greek gods.
Winners were awarded olive and laurel wreaths, known as “kotinos”, woven from the sacred olive tree of Olympia.
This practice began with the first recorded Olympics in 776 BCE. The olive wreath was a highly prestigious symbol of victory and honour, reflecting the religious and cultural significance of the games. The ancient games took place every four years, and this tradition lasted for nearly twelve centuries – until 393 CE, when the Roman Emperor Theodosius ended them as part of his campaign to promote Christianity.
2. The Evolution of Flowers at the Olympic Games
In 1896, the Olympic Games were revived, inspired by those ancient events. This revival was led by Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France, who established the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Appropriately, the first modern Olympics were held in Athens as a nod to their ancient roots. The tradition of using flowers at the Olympics has evolved significantly since then. A well-documented milestone was the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where competitors were given flowers along with their medals for the first time. By the 1960s, it became customary for athletes to receive a bouquet during medal ceremonies, often featuring flowers native to the host country – adding a touch of local culture and beauty to the celebrations.
3. Floral Symbolism at the Olympics
Flowers at the Olympics have evolved into a tradition that goes well beyond decoration. They embody narratives of victory, honour, and cultural heritage, while celebrating the world’s greatest athletes. Each host city uses blooms to reflect its unique spirit:
At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, bright Birds of Paradise captured California’s sunny, vibrant essence. The 2008 Beijing Olympics featured bouquets of vibrant red roses and Chlorophytum leaves, paying homage to traditional Chinese symbols of purity and longevity.
London 2012 saw British-grown roses, mint, and lavender, carefully arranged by renowned florist Jane Packer to showcase local flora. For Tokyo 2020, the choice of sunflowers, eustoma, Solomon’s Seal, and gentians carried deep emotional weight, symbolising recovery and resilience following the 2011 disaster. Paris 2024 took a different approach entirely, prioritising sustainability by replacing victory bouquets with commemorative poster boxes – a decision we explore further in section 8.
Through thoughtful floral choices, the Olympics celebrate not only athletic triumph but also the cultural and environmental values of each host nation.
The Olympic Rings
Each of the five interlocking rings represents one of the world’s five continents – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania – symbolising how the Games bring athletes from across the globe together. The blue, yellow, black, green, and red rings on a white background were chosen because at least one of these colours appears on every national flag – a celebration of global unity and diversity through sport.
4. Floral Design in Olympic Medals
Olympic medals have evolved into meaningful works of art, often reflecting the host country’s cultural heritage. While the medals themselves are iconic symbols of achievement, many incorporate floral or natural elements – frequently referencing the ancient kotinos. You can view all medal designs here.
5. Ceremony Florals and Victory Bouquets
Some of the most memorable floral moments at the Olympics have occurred during opening ceremonies and medal presentations.
Award Ceremonies
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics produced some of the most iconic Olympic blooms, with athletes receiving bouquets that perfectly captured California’s vibrant spirit and added a festive dimension to the medal ceremonies.
During the 2012 London Olympics, the bouquets given to medallists were a nod to British horticultural heritage, featuring roses, mint, and lavender. Designed by florist Jane Packer, these British-grown flowers brought a distinctly local character to the celebrations.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bouquets were deeply meaningful, with flowers sourced from areas affected by the 2011 disaster: sunflowers from Miyagi Prefecture, eustoma and Solomon’s Seal from Fukushima, and gentians from Iwate – symbolising recovery, resilience, and hope.
6. Three Memorable Floral Moments in Olympic History
1. Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Knitted Bouquets
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics provided a striking contrast to the elaborate displays of the 2008 Games, when the city was adorned with abundant flower mosaics celebrating Chinese culture.
In 2022, medallists received knitted wool bouquets – permanent, cherished keepsakes to accompany their medals. These unique bouquets featured seven different wool flowers, including roses, lilies, osmanthus, and green olives, each chosen to symbolise fraternity, tenacity, happiness, unity, victory, and peace.
2. The Birds of Paradise at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics
The bright, cheerful bouquets presented to medallists in 1984 perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of California. These sunny blooms not only brightened the medal ceremonies but symbolised the warmth and positivity of the Golden State, making them one of the most recognisable floral moments in Olympic history.
3. The Symbolic Bouquets at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The Tokyo 2020 bouquets honoured the resilience and recovery of Japan. Sunflowers from Miyagi Prefecture, eustoma and Solomon’s Seal from Fukushima Prefecture, and gentians from Iwate Prefecture – each flower was chosen to represent hope, renewal, and strength, reflecting the country’s journey through adversity. These bouquets connected athletic triumph with a powerful narrative of recovery and solidarity.
7. The Future of Floral Symbolism at the Games
Looking ahead, the future of floral design at the Olympics is set to reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and artistic innovation. With increasing environmental awareness, future Games are likely to embrace eco-friendly floral practices: locally sourced flowers to reduce transportation impacts, biodegradable materials, and creative approaches to recycling or repurposing arrangements after celebrations.
Beyond sustainability, the boundaries of floral artistry continue to expand. Modern, cutting-edge designs that blend traditional elements with contemporary techniques, or interactive displays that use technology to create dynamic, immersive experiences – all are increasingly possible.
Symbolism will continue to play a central role. Inspired by the emotional resonance of the Tokyo 2020 bouquets, future floral designs are likely to focus on themes of resilience, unity, and renewal – with flowers chosen to represent the coming together of nations and the spirit of collaboration.
Among the flowers we might see at future Olympics: cherry blossoms symbolising fresh starts and beauty, lily of the valley representing purity and renewal, daffodils evoking new beginnings and optimism, peonies embodying prosperity, and irises reflecting hope and new opportunities.
Floral designs may also become more personalised and inclusive, showcasing a wider range of flowers that reflect the diverse traditions of participating countries and involving athletes or local communities in the design process.
8. Paris 2024 and the Olympic Flame Dahlia
Paris 2024 broke with tradition. Medallists were presented with commemorative boxes rather than the customary victory bouquets – each containing a replica of the official 2024 Olympics poster, designed by artist Ugo Gattoni, offering a richly detailed illustration of Paris including landmarks and Olympic sites.
While the artwork was innovative, the absence of victory bouquets was felt. We responded by creating our own.
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The France’s Olympic Flame Dahlia
Perhaps the most exciting floral development surrounding Paris 2024 was the France’s Olympic Flame Dahlia – a variety created specifically for the Games. Selectively bred to display fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, this dahlia evokes the image of the Olympic flame itself.
The variety underwent several stages of testing and refinement to achieve the right colour intensity and flower form, as well as to evaluate its growth characteristics and resilience.
By tying the natural beauty of flowers to the grandeur of the Games, this cultivar highlighted both the dynamism of the Olympics and the strength of French horticultural traditions. Its creation aligned with Paris 2024’s commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability – supporting local horticulture, promoting French floriculture, and reflecting the country’s dedication to innovation and eco-friendly practices.
The dahlia featured prominently in promotional materials and events, helping to craft a memorable visual identity for the Games. More than a beautiful flower, the France’s Olympic Flame Dahlia became a symbol of the Olympic spirit, integrating French culture into the global celebration.
9. Paris’ Olympic Gardens and Parks
The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased some of the city’s finest parks and venues. Here are the key locations:
1. Olympic Park at La Villette
Located in northeastern Paris, Parc de la Villette is one of the city’s largest parks, home to cultural institutions including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Philharmonie de Paris, alongside vast green spaces and distinctive architectural installations. During the Olympics, it hosted various sports events and cultural activities.
2. Stade de France Area
Just north of Paris in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France served as the main stadium for Paris 2024, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and all athletics events. The surrounding area offers the Canal Saint-Denis and the historic Basilica of Saint-Denis.
3. Champ de Mars
Situated beside the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars provided a stunning backdrop with its views of the tower. During the Olympics, this area was alive with outdoor events and public viewing areas.
4. Bois de Boulogne
In the western part of Paris, this expansive park features lakes, gardens, the Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton art museum. It also hosted several Olympic sporting events.
5. Parc des Princes
Located in the 16th arrondissement and known as the home stadium of Paris Saint-Germain, Parc des Princes served as one of the venues for Olympic football matches.
6. Trocadéro Gardens
Directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens offer spectacular views alongside fountains, sculptures, and the Palais de Chaillot. It was a prime location for public gatherings and cultural events during the Games.
7. Parc de Bercy
In the 12th arrondissement, Parc de Bercy features gardens, ponds, and the Cinémathèque Française film museum. Its proximity to the Bercy Arena made it a natural hub during the indoor sports events.
8. Beyond Paris: The Île-de-France Region
Several Olympic events took place across the greater Île-de-France region, including sailing in Marseille, offering visitors the chance to explore other parts of France alongside the Games.
10. DIY: Create Your Own Olympic-Inspired Bouquet
Creating your own Olympic-inspired bouquet at home is a rewarding project. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting an arrangement that captures the spirit of the Games.
Materials Needed
- France’s Olympic Flame dahlias (if available) or other vibrant dahlias in orange, red, and yellow
- Sunflowers for their sunny, vibrant character
- Lavender for a touch of French charm and soothing fragrance
- Blue delphiniums to represent unity and the Olympic spirit
- White roses for elegance and purity
- Eucalyptus leaves for their symbolism of healing and renewal
- Ferns or other filler greens to add texture and fullness
- A pair of sharp scissors or floral shears
- A clean vase or container
- Floral string to secure the stems
- Fresh water
- Flower food (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare your workspace: Find a clean, spacious area and gather all your materials and tools.
Select and prepare the flowers: Choose flowers that are fresh and vibrant. Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline to prevent rotting, and trim the stems at an angle to allow better water absorption.
Arrange the focal flowers: Start with the dahlias as the focal point, placed in the centre of your bouquet. Add sunflowers around them for a pop of bright yellow.
Add complementary flowers: Insert lavender sprigs throughout for a touch of purple and a lovely scent. Place blue delphiniums at varying heights to add depth. Include white roses sporadically to balance the vibrant colours.
Incorporate greenery: Fill in gaps with eucalyptus leaves and ferns to add texture and volume. Ensure the greenery frames the bouquet nicely, peeking out around the flowers.
Secure the bouquet: Gather the stems together and use floral tape or string to bind them tightly just below the blooms.
Trim and place in vase: Trim the stems to the desired length for your vase. Fill the vase with fresh water, add flower food if available, and place the bouquet ensuring all stems are submerged.
Final touches: Adjust any flowers or greenery as needed to perfect the shape. Display your bouquet in a prominent position.
Change the water every couple of days to keep the flowers fresh, re-trim the stems regularly for better water absorption, and keep your bouquet away from direct sunlight and drafts to prolong its life.
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