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The laurel tree was one of the symbols of Apollo in ancient Greece, so any ceremonies or games held in his honor would award wreaths of laurel to the winners. Traditionally the Pythian Games were the only ancient games of any significance that actually awarded laurel wreaths. Poetry contests were also well known for such awards (since Apollo was the patron of poets and writers). In Rome, laurel wreaths were also awarded to the commanders of significant martial victories.

Today, some universities still award laurel wreaths to recipients of Masters degrees, or those that make significant contributions to their field of expertise. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" indicates someone who is getting by on their past successes.

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13y ago

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