The Mascots of the Beijing Olympic Games
Fuwa are the official mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympics. The five characters derive their colors from the five rings. They carry the same message of peace and friendship including good wishes from China to people all over the world. These 5 cute little Olympic games mascots have the playful qualities of children. They also show the basic characteristics of China’s four most popular animals. They are The Fish, The Tibetan Antelope, The Panda and the Swallow. The fifth reflects the Olympic Flame. Putting together their names, Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni, translates to “Welcome to Beijing”.
Another unique thing about the Olympic games mascots is that each of the young ambassadors has a two syllable name which rhymes. The name for the Fish is “Beibei”, for the Panda its “Jingjing”, “Huanhuan” for the Olympic Flame, “Yingying” for the Tibetan Antelope and for Swallow it is “Nini”. They represent the five elements of nature as well, which are the sea, fire, forest, earth and sky! Each Fuwa carries the tradition of spreading good wishes in the form of symbols and signs. They help China in spreading the theme of the Beijing Olympics 2008, which is One World, One Dream for every Continent.
Beibei carries the blessing and message of prosperity, starting of a good year and thus, a good life. Beibei is a fish and according to China’s culture, the fish is a symbol of harvest and prosperity. Beibei is the most gentle one among all the Fuwa. She is a reflection of the Olympic ring which is blue in color and thus also strong in water sports.
Next in the list comes Jingjing, spreading happiness around wherever he goes. The Panda is the one of the national treasures and so adored by each and everyone. This Fuwa is chosen specially to pass the message throughout the world to protect the gifts of nature. It is one of the most optimistic Fuwa and represents the black ring.
Then is the big brother in this group of friends. It is the symbol of fire, Huanhuan. He symbolizes the Olympic Flame. He carries the blessing of passion and here, the passion of sports. Huanhuan is in the center of the Fuwa group. He represents the Olympic ring which is red in color and loves ball games.
Being an antelope Yingying is fast and swift and thus, excels at track and field events. This Fuwa is a symbol of health and strength. Yingying represents the Olympic ring which is yellow in color.
Nini is strong in gymnastics and her structure is drawn from a traditional and popular kite designs. The golden wings are equal to the big and endless sky and she brings good luck to everyone as she flies. She refers to the green color Olympic ring.