In Ancient Greece, just like today, the Olympic Games took place every four years. But unlike today, the winner of each ancient Olympic contest was rewarded with a simple laurel wreath. Though the laurel wreath was the highest honour an athlete could win in the ancient Olympics, it is a far cry from the modern competition with its gold, silver and bronze medals and lucrative sponsorship deals.
Rooted in the Earth aims to explore who we reward in society today, how we reward them, and to kick-start discussion on a range of themes including citizenship, history, family, and civic pride.
What does it mean to be a citizen worthy of praise? In today’s celebrity culture, who do we want our role models to be? Who are the important people we have forgotten? Who among our family and friends have been most supportive and transformative in our lives?
What’s in a name?
Mary Paterson considers the meanings of Rooted in the Earth
A brief history of carpet bedding
Janine Pattison tells the story of ornamental planting