The French organizers of the Olympic Games "Paris 2024" were pioneers in choosing the mascot, which at first glance resembles a bird or, for those with a lot of imagination, even a language. In fact, it's a hat that comes in red, white and blue – the colors of the French flag – and its design was based on an ancient garment that became popular in France several centuries ago.
Phrygians, the anthropomorphic hats created by the Games design team, are the mascots of the Olympics and take their inspiration from the Phrygian hat. Marie Claire.
In the ancient kingdom of Phrygia, on the northern side of Turkey, when a slave was freed, he wore this hat to distinguish himself from others. A similar hat became popular among Roman slaves who secured their freedom, and so the distinctive accessory remained relevant for centuries.
Today the hat appears on many busts of Marianne, the French symbol found on the country's public buildings, as well as on coins and stamps. Below you can see the mascot crossing the river Seine:
#ParisOlympics mascot Phryge got a special boat ride through the Seine! 🚤🤩
(🎥 @ Paris2024) pic.twitter.com/SSnyInxvb2
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2024