The official Olympic mascots “Fuwa” were unveiled at the evening show on November 11th, marking the 1000-day countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of peace and friendship - also blessing from China - to people, especially children all over the world.
Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals, and the Olympic Flame. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow. Each of the mascots has a rhyming two-syllable name--a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. When you put their names together--Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni--they say "Welcome to Beijing", offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of the Five mascots as young ambassadors for the Games.
The fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest in Chinese culture. Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life. The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.
Jingjing spreads the blessing of happiness. As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing represents our desire to protect nature's gifts. Jingjing is naïve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.
Huanhuan, a child of fire symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport, stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. He inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals -- a touch of China's traditional lucky designs. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.
Yingying, the antelope, is fast and agile, carrying the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying's flying pose captures the essence of a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,. His head ornament incorporates several decorative styles and the ethnic design traditions of Western China. Strong in track and field events, Yingying represents the yellow Olympic ring.
 Every spring and summer, children in China flow beautiful kites. Golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular kite designs. Nini's figure is drawn from this design. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.
|
