Sunday, September 5, 2010

Acknowledging Accomplishments With Trophies

By Reese Finch

Trophy was actually taken from a Greek word. "Tropaion" was taken from the verb "trope," meaning "to rout." Trophies were considered marks of triumph in war battles back in ancient Greece. People used to make them on the battlegrounds of victorious battles, with the bases engraved with the details of the fight and an inscription to the god they believed assisted them in winning the battle.

For the Romans during ancient times, trophies weren't a homage to the victors and the gods on the battlefield. Instead, they were frequently placed on columns and arches. The Romans preferred these exceedingly big icons constructed in Rome.

Not a great deal is known about its history during the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, it is believed that they were used as awards for sporting events in the late 1600s. The regular shapes used then were silver chalices and two-handled sterling cups.

They are perhaps the ultimate symbol of triumph. Trophies measure accomplishment. Most of the time, the bigger the trophy, the higher the achievement. From the largest of competitions to the humblest of matches, from major sports events to a local elementary school's Spelling Bee match, trophies are everywhere.

Trophies now come in various types and sizes. Cups and chalices are still prevalent in this day and age, but more and more forms are now being created, including stars, human forms, animal shapes, and abstract.

Rather than silver and gold, materials used today include steel, pewter, crystal, and plastic. They are a great deal less pricey and can be mass created.

Trophies are not just awarded during sporting events. They are also presented in recognition of an individual or group achievement. The Hollywood major awards event The Academy Awards is a great example. Individual skills, such as acting, directing and producing, and group efforts, such as best film, cast, etc., are acknowledged with a trophy that is shaped like a human being.

A trophy symbolizes triumph and position, not only a reward for a specific accomplishment in sports, acting, discovery or other skills. Getting one doesn't just mean being able to outdo your opponents in a game or being the recognized leader in your field of expertise. Being honored with a trophy means being part of the heritage that comes with it.

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