As I looked out the car window driving through the streets of Paris with my family, the unexpected sight of the Olympic cauldron floating high above took our breath away. Suspended in the air was a bright, fiery balloon, carrying with it a symbol that was more than just a spectacle for everyone to see. It was a symbol of unity, one that goes beyond borders and connects people from all regions of the world. It blazed like a fiery beacon, not just of light, but of meaning—an emblem of humanity's shared aspirations.

I could not help but wonder what the cultural significance of the Olympic cauldron was and how it tied into ancient human rituals of fire and celebration. The Paris 2024 cauldron, in particular, added a new modern twist to this tradition, bringing ancient Olympic customs into the 21st century. Did you know this was the third time France hosted the Olympics in Paris?

More than a symbol of athletic excellence, the cauldron encapsulates something deeper: the enduring human need to gather, celebrate, and connect. It’s a reminder that while we often act as individuals, we belong to a greater collective—a dance of "Humans vs. Humanity," where personal choices and cultural rituals intertwine to shape our shared legacy.  Today, the lighting of the cauldron is a continuation of ritual and legacy reminding us of why we come together to celebrate both our individual achievements and our global communities, as each athlete also represents their respective country with pride and honor.

Fire has always played a crucial role in human history. Anthropologists recognize fire as a symbol of activity, community, and transformation. From ancient campfires where stories were passed down orally, to modern celebrations, fire unites people in ritual and meaning. The Olympic flame, which originated from ancient Greece, is a perfect example of this. It was used in ceremonies to honor the gods and maintain a connection with the divine.

The Olympic cauldron is lit every four years from the same origin spot and it allows us to continue this ancient tradition during the Summer Olympics. At its core, the ritual represents unity, a shared human experience, and the enduring spirit of competition and cooperation. The cauldron is more than a symbol of sport—it’s a reminder of our shared cultural heritage. So, every time we ignite the olympic flame, we can are connecting people of around the world to a tradition that spans millennia.  

The Paris 2024 cauldron takes this ritual a step further, symbolizing not just unity but progress. Check out this article to learn more about the modern day cauldron developed for the Paris 2024 Olympics. By suspending the flame in mid-air and designing it with eco-friendly technology, the cauldron bridges ancient customs with modern innovation. So, it turns out that, this year, the flame that symbolizes our shared humanity is not really a flame at all, see this article! I think this reminds us that humanity thrives when we blend tradition with forward-thinking strategies—a balance of respecting our roots while reaching for new heights. The Paris 2024 cauldron’s design was intended to be a new and fresh take on this age-old tradition. Instead of the traditional ground-based cauldron, the flame is suspended in mid-air, representing both literal and symbolic elevation. This design choice speaks to modern interpretations of unity. It also displays the connections of the globalized world.  

In addition, The Paris 2024 cauldron represents an extension of not only the French history of first flights but a homage to the very first flight in the history of humanity that took place in Paris in 1783, as further explained in this article published on the official Paris Olympics 2024 press website.

When I saw the cauldron floating over Paris, it reminded me of other fire rituals I’ve encountered, from family fireworks in the driveway during Diwali to the stories I’ve read growing up, such as Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar or Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali by Ajanta Chakraborty. These traditions, whether ancient or contemporary, reflect a common thread in human culture: fire as a means of bringing people together. Even the Uber driver seemed as captivated as I was, adjusting from our original route to give us a closer look. My mom and I were able to quickly jump out of the car to catch this picture!  In fact, when in Paris on the way from the sparkling Eiffel Tower and the Champion’s Park, we excitedly told our Uber driver that we spotted a glimpse of the hot air balloon shaped Olympic cauldron earlier that evening, and he responded by saying, “I know where you can get a picture, let me take you there!”.  Next thing we knew, we were on a detour and when rounding the corner the Uber driver said, “If you step out now, you can click a pic before the light turns green!”  And, that’s when my mom and I jumped at the chance to scramble out of the car, pose for a quick picture on the busy sidewalk, and hop back into the car so as not to disrupt the traffic flow on the street.  It was the quickest we had ever snapped a picture of the sky, but I’ll never forget the chance I had to capture the experience of seeing the Olympic cauldron of Paris 2024. 

Seeing the Olympic cauldron in Paris prompted me to reflect on how fire appears in daily life, both literally and symbolically. In my own experiences—whether cooking family recipes in the kitchen, sewing by a warm light, or strategizing during a board game like Brass: Birmingham—fire represents creation, connection, and storytelling.

In fact, I started thinking about the rituals that surround fire in my own life. For example, fire has long been at the heart of traditions that span generations in my family, from gathering around a holiday fireplace, celebrating Diwali with fireworks, or passing down a favorite recipe prepared in the glow of the stove. Just like the Olympic flame, these rituals transcend the individual to become symbols of humanity's shared journey.  These moments remind us that fire is not just about survival but about identity—about how we, as humans, create meaning and continuity in our lives.

For example, the Smithsonian magazine published this article about why fire makes us human! Now, I truely believe that sewing patterns by candlelight, sharing stories at the hearth, or recreating dishes passed down from grandparents all reflect a connection to something greater. Just like the Olympic flame, these rituals transcend the individual to become symbols of humanity’s shared journey.  

The Paris 2024 cauldron, especially with its eco-friendly lights, is a stunning blend of tradition and innovation, offering a modern twist on the ancient fire rituals that continue to shape human societies. The symbolism of fire as a unifying force remains powerful, just as it did in ancient Greece. Seeing the cauldron in the sky not only left me in awe of its beauty but also made me reflect on the role of fire in our cultural identity.  

While our daily rituals might seem personal, they often connect us to a greater story.  I think fire is at the heart of what it means to balance “Humans vs. Humanity.” Fire rituals, like the Olympic flame, serve as a powerful reminder that when we embrace our shared heritage, and come together around a fire, whether with flaming embers or LED lights, we can illuminate a path forward—together.

So, what about you? Have you encountered symbols or rituals in your life that unite people or carry forward a sense of shared humanity? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s explore how our everyday actions contribute to the broader story of what it means to be human.