The Mascots for the Beijing Olympics are good luck dolls (called "Fu-wa" in Chinese) modeled after famous Chinese animals and things important to Chinese culture. The designer was Mr. Han Meilin. (Han is his surname and Meilin is his first name. In China, you write your last name first!) He picked five because of the five Olympic Rings and because Chinese astrology has five elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth). The Beijing Olympics now holds the Olympic record for having the most mascots.
The first mascot is called "BeiBei". She represents a fish and water, which in Chinese culture meaning you would have prosperity and a good harvest. BeiBei is good at water sports (for obvious reasons) like swimming and water polo.
The first mascot is called "BeiBei". She represents a fish and water, which in Chinese culture meaning you would have prosperity and a good harvest. BeiBei is good at water sports (for obvious reasons) like swimming and water polo.
Next is "JingJing." He is a panda and is a very popular and protected
animal. The lotus design on headdress is based on that of ancient
Chinese paintings. JingJing excels in sports that require strength
(i.e., the hammer throw and javelin) because he is very strong.
"HuanHuan" is the Olympic Flame, big brother to the rest of the mascots, and the driving force of the Olympic Mascots and the Torch Relay. He is good at ball sports like baseball and handball.
"YingYing" is a Tibetan Antelope, one of the first protected animals in China. He is speedy and enjoys track and field events.
"NiNi" is a swallow. Traditionally, swallows have been very popular in China for artistic designs. People like to fly kites in the shape of swallows. She is known for her skill in acrobatics.
Put together, the mascots' names are: "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" which means: "Beijing welcomes you!"
"HuanHuan" is the Olympic Flame, big brother to the rest of the mascots, and the driving force of the Olympic Mascots and the Torch Relay. He is good at ball sports like baseball and handball.
"YingYing" is a Tibetan Antelope, one of the first protected animals in China. He is speedy and enjoys track and field events.
"NiNi" is a swallow. Traditionally, swallows have been very popular in China for artistic designs. People like to fly kites in the shape of swallows. She is known for her skill in acrobatics.
Put together, the mascots' names are: "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" which means: "Beijing welcomes you!"
Cool, wish I could see it with my own eyes!
Your blog is awesome and I love your photos! Following your blog will help me learn and see things about China and Bejiing that I'm sure I wouldn't see elsewhere. I'm very glad I checked out the link on my National Geographic Newsletter.
Chinese Mascots are awesome! I wish I could see it! Have Fun!!!!
I love the fact that together the names of the mascots mean something! congratulations! your blog was very interesting!
xoxo
siris
I love to learn about different cultures and the 2008 Olympics is a great way to learn about China. It is so cool how the names brought together mean "Welcome to Beijing!". I have got to tell my dad about your blog!
I thought it was cool. KEEP ON!
COOL! Welcome to my home, Fujian, China!
I wish I could see it! But you are so informative, it's like I'm there! I love telling my family what I learn from your blog! By the way, do you say Beijing "bay-JING," or "bay-ZHING?" Just curious.
OMG they are so cute!
Those guys looks so cool! That would be gunny to see them at a football game here. I bet inside the costume it is 200 degrees. I feel bad for the people inside.