The 2010 Vancouver Olympics and some of the athletes have embraced Pagan cultures' symbols and designs. For a more in-depth read on that--please visit my good friend, Riverwolf. In this post I'd like to write about the logo for this Olympics named, Ilanaaq the Inunnguaq. The Inunnguaq are statues made from rocks stacked together to create the form of a man by the Inuit native peoples who live in the vast Canadian, Arctic lands. The word, "Inunnguaq" means, "Immitation of a person."To these nature based/Pagan peoples these statues served as steadfast guides posts of direction when walking the vast white horizon. It would seem easy to get lost in such an all-white, monochromatic landscape and these large, contrasting gray stone guardians seem like Arctic lighthouses and landmarks for navigation as the Inuit follow the herds. Over time the Inunnguaqs' welcoming arms standing straight out from the body gave the impression of a being forever ready to offer a hug. Thus, they came to symbolize friendship and hope that even the harsh Arctic weather would not hinder the Inuit people.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games emblem called Ilanaaq is a contemporary interpretation of the Inunnguaq. I like these "stone huggers" and might have to make my own small version for my altar. These stone men are some of the oldest objects placed by humans throughout the Arctic and are sometimes used to designate the memorial of a deceased loved one. If I wasn't going to be cremated, I'd want a small Inunnguaq as a memorial stone on my grave. It would sure beat the same-old boring headstones used by most people.
-Stay green-
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