The vegetable given to the winner of an athletic event in ancient Greece, depending on the specific festival, was wild celery.
In ancient Greece, athletic victors were honored with symbolic awards rather than medals or monetary prizes. These awards typically took the form of wreaths made from various types of foliage, signifying honor, glory, and often a connection to the divine.
The Significance of Victor's Wreaths
The specific material used for the victor's wreath varied based on the particular Panhellenic Games or local festival where the athletic achievement occurred. These natural awards were deeply rooted in the traditions and mythologies associated with each event.
- Olive leaves: The most prestigious award, given to winners at the Olympic Games, held in Olympia.
- Laurel leaves: Awarded to champions at the Pythian Games, celebrated in Delphi in honor of Apollo.
- Wild celery leaves: Presented to victors at the Nemean Games, held in Nemea, and the Isthmian Games, near Corinth.
The use of wild celery, known as selinon in ancient Greek, for wreaths at the Nemean and Isthmian Games highlights the diverse botanical symbols employed. While olive and laurel were prominent for their respective festivals, wild celery held its own significant cultural and symbolic value in other major athletic contests, representing victory and honor.
Overview of Ancient Greek Victor's Wreaths
Here's a summary of the main types of wreaths and their associated games:
| Games Event | Type of Wreath Leaves | Primary Significance / Source Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | Olive | Sacred to Zeus, symbolizing peace & victory |
| Pythian Games | Laurel | Sacred to Apollo, symbolizing poetry & wisdom |
| Nemean Games | Wild Celery | Traditionally linked to mourning, but also purity & victory |
| Isthmian Games | Wild Celery | Also linked to mourning (often for Palaimon/Melicertes) and purity |
While historical accounts confirm these traditions, the specific identity of individual athletes and the exact events they won are not always known from ancient records.
