'A symbol of revolution': Paris Olympics mascot Phrygian is based on historic hat that represents freedom

PARIS, FRANCE: Paris Olympics 2024 officially kicked off on Friday, July 26, and one thing that has caught everyone’s attention is the mascot Phrygen.

The incredible red character is taken from the famous Phrygian cap which represents freedom in French culture.

“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 Paris Olympics website describes.

Phrygen has been worn throughout French's rich history

CBS Sports in its report revealed that the hat’s origin dates back to 800 BC, but only became famous in France after the French Revolution of 1789. 

The hat was also proudly worn during the building of Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral in 1163 and the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1887 by workers, according to the outlet.

The Paris Olympics further shared about their Olympics Mascot saying, "the Phrygians have stood shoulder to shoulder with the French people throughout all the key moments in the nation’s history.” 

And now "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 shared.

It was in November 2022, when the Paris Olympics officially revealed the fun mascots to the world through X, "Here are the Olympic Phryge and the Paralympic Phryge! The #Paris2024 mascots ✨ They are sporty, love to party... and are so French," they captioned.

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.

Celine Dion returns to the big stage amid ongoing health struggle

Celine Dion made an emotional comeback at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, July 26, as she fought back tears while performing for the first time in over two years.

The singer has been battling Stiff Person Syndrome which has significantly affected her ability to sing and tour.

Lady Gaga also performed a French cabaret and singing Zizi Jeanmaire's 'Mon Truc En Plumes.'