The Nobel Foundation states that the word ‘laureate’ was adopted to mirror the ancient Greek tradition of awarding laurel wreaths to victors in athletic and poetic contests.
In Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of music and poetry, is often shown wearing a laurel wreath, reinforcing the plant’s symbolic link to artistic and intellectual triumph.
Since the first awards in 1901, the Prize has been conferred 633 times on 1,026 individuals and organisations, a record that underscores its global reach.
During the annual ceremony on December 10, laureates receive a medal, diploma and a certificate confirming the prize amount, a tradition that continues to honour their achievements.
The 2023 laureate, during her speech, reflected on how the title carries a legacy of honour that resonates beyond the ceremony, echoing the resilience celebrated in the laurel wreath’s history.