Trophies Down The Ages

By Marianne Dantes

Trophies not only stand for victory but also provide people with memories of the accomplishment and act as a souvenir for them. It keeps the owner enthused and encouraged for a long time to come. This is why the trophy is usually designed to show the subject in which the winner has achieved something, like the depiction of a wrestler on a trophy from that particular sport.

Initially, trophies were used as markers of victory of the winning army in the battlefield and were erected on the ground itself. The tradition began in Greece where the routed enemy's weapons or arms were displayed as trophies with an account of the battle engraved on them. They were considered as offerings given to the deities for bringing them success in the war. Originally the term trophy has come from the word 'tropaion', which is the Greek word for 'defeat'.

Romans had a different way of displaying their success through trophies. They built tall pillars and columns that bore a sculpted trophy high up for everyone to see and admire their victory. In later years, the kings and monarchs started giving out chalices to the best performing athletes in the kingdom.

Designing a trophy is normally a difficult process. Like any other artistic task, it entails a lot of market study, needs assessment and comprehensive study of elements which can be used. Since trophies are souvenirs that are valued by awardees for a long time, they need to be not just stylish but also quite sturdy.

Nowadays, trophies are awarded for excellent performance in several fields like sports, academics, business etc. The market is replete with trophies of different shapes, styles, designs as well as with various types of inscriptions. Down the years the conventional metal atop a wooden stand design has morphed into glass, gold, fibre or silver finish, or crystal trophy. There are many stores selling trophies nowadays in many shapes, sizes and models to select from. With the great deal of choices available, buying the right trophy for an occasion is not a difficult job anymore.

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