Extremely rare 'high priestess' dress used for the Olympic flame lighting ceremonies in Olympia, Greece, from 1956 to 1964. The handsomely crafted white fabric dress features a simple, classical design, with a wide neck, gathered bodice, open arms, and braided cord belt. In very good to fine condition, with some scattered staining and wear from use. Accompanied by a postcard showing the Olympic flame lighting ceremony at Olympia, Greece, on November 22, 1956, with priestesses shown wearing this style of dress.
The duty of the High Priestess in Olympia is to perform the lighting of the Olympic flame by utilizing the power of Apollo, the Greek god of sun and light. Among the pillars, in the ruins of the temple of Hera, beneath Kronos Hill, a reflective bowl is used to catch the rays of the sun and to spark a flame, igniting the Olympic torch held by the High Priestess. From this torch, the flame is passed, or kissed, to the lekythos bowl, which is carried into the ancient stadium and used as a conduit to light the first torch of the Olympic relay.
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