Three Ground Strikes (les trois coups)
At the Paris Olympics, prior to each event, a peculiar ceremony was conducted. It involved a person standing in front of the audience with a long wooden staff in their hand, and striking the ground loudly three times.
three ground strikes, called Les trois coups in FrenchThis ceremony pays homage to France's rich cultural heritage. The three ground strikes, called "les trois coups" in French, is a tradition from French theater, marking the start of a performance. Originating in the 17th century, this custom involved three loud knocks made by a staff, typically by the stage manager, to command silence and signal the audience that the play was about to begin.
At the Olympics, it was used in a similar way, to get the audience's attention, to signal to them that a performance is about to begin commanding their attention
Will this continue for future Olympic Games? While it added a unique and meaningful touch to the Paris Games, its continuation in future Olympics will depend on each host nation. While les trois coups was fitting for Paris, future Olympics may incorporate other elements that reflect their own unique cultural heritage rather than adopting it universally. We will have to wait and see.
Related Pages
- Opening Ceremony
- Olympic Oath
- Olympic Creed & Motto
- Other Olympic Traditions
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