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Phryges: What to Know About the Paris Summer Olympics Mascot Based on the French Cap
The delightful red characters are based on the famous Phrygian cap, which is considered a symbol of freedom in France
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Paris 2024 Olympics mascot "the Phryge" poses prior to the men's group A football match between Guinea and New Zealand during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Nice Stadium in Nice on July 24, 2024The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially underway, and while fans across the world are enthralled with the gorgeous spectacle of the opening ceremony, many have also been wondering about the Games' official mascot, the Phryges.
The Phryge is based on the famous Phrygian cap, which is a French symbol of freedom, according to the Paris Olympics website. “A symbol of revolution, the French Republic and freedom, the Phrygian cap can be seen on French national icon Marianne, depicted in busts at town halls across the country and on stamps, and is also covered in the national curriculum in schools,” the official description read.
The hat itself dates back to 800 B.C., but become popular in France after revolutionaries wore them, particularly during the French Revolution of 1789, CBS Sports reported.
Since then, the hats have been associated with key parts of French history, including the building of Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral in 1163 and the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1887, when workers wore the red accessories, the outlet reported.
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The Paris Olympics furthered explained that "the Phrygians have stood shoulder to shoulder with the French people throughout all the key moments in the nation’s history." And now, in keeping with the spirit of the international competition, "they are convinced that sport can change everything!"
“Our lives, our health, our relationships with others, how we relate to nature — it is time to welcome more sport into our lives,” the Paris Olympics added.
Related: How to Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
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In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) , the Paris Olympics officially introduced the fun mascots to the world in November 2022, noting that “they are sporty, love to party... and are so French.” Indeed!
Additionally, the Phryges are split between the Olympic Phryge and the Paralympic Phryge, with the mascots representing both Games. Notably, the Paralympic Phryge features a prosthetic leg.
Related: 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony: Lady Gaga Sings, Team USA Floats and More Updates from Paris
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was held on Friday, July 26 and took place on the Seine River, with thousands of athletes from around the world making their big debut in a boat-based Parade of Nations.
Team USA's over 500 members were outfitted in Ralph Lauren's finest and ready to begin 16 days of competition. They were led by Coco Gauff and LeBron James as flagbearers — the first tennis player and basketball player to score the gigs.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.
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