2008 Summer Olympics Mascots

• The Games begin August 8, 2008 and end August 24, 2008.

• The opening ceremonies will be held at the Beijing National Stadium.

The official logo of the Beijing Olympics is the “Dancing Beijing” – with a calligraphic character (jing), meaning capital as a reference to the host city. The Beijing 2008 mascots are the five Fuwa. Translated as good luck dolls, each Fuwa represents a color of the Olympic rings.

The five Fuwa are based on the five elements:

• water - Bèibei

• wood - Jīngjing

• fire - Huānhuan

• earth - Yíngying

• sky - Nīni

When the names are put together, they sound like the phrase “Běijīng huānyíng nǐ” which translates as “Beijing welcomes you.”

Bèibei represents the element of Water. Her designs of fish and water are supposed to symbolize prosperity. Bèibei’s Olympic Ring is blue; and, she represents the Olympic aquatic sports.

Among the Fuwa, she is known as being gentle and pure.

With her arms open wide in welcome, Bèibei looks like she is ready to spread blessings among us all.

Jīngjing

Representing the element of Wood, Jīngjing is a panda. His Olympic Ring is black; and, noted for his athletic strength, he represents Olympic sports like weightlifting and judo.

Among the Fuwa, Jīngjing is known as honest and optimistic.

Posing with his arms in a cute hug-like fashion, Jīngjing brings happiness everywhere he goes. Looking at him, you can’t help but smile.

Huānhuan

Passionate Huānhuan represents the element of Fire. His Olympic Ring is red, like the flame of the Olympic Torch. Huānhuan represents Olympic ball sports.

Among the Fuwa, he is known to be an extrovert and enthusiastic.

Huānhuan stands like he is ready for action, ready to spread his passion for the unity the Olympic Games will create.

Yíngying

Sweet Yíngying embodies the Tibetan antelope. His Olympic Ring is yellow, and he represents the element of Earth. With the speed of antelope, Yíngying symbolizes the Olympic sport of track and field.

Among the Fuwa, Yíngying is known for being lively and vivacious.

Always running from place to place, he spreads health and harmony.

Nīni

With the gentle strength of a swallow, Nīni represents the element of Sky. Her Olympic Ring is green. She shows her strength in the Olympic sport of gymnastics.

Among Fuwa, Nīni is known for being innocent and joyous.

With her wings spread wide, she spreads good fortune and blessings to everyone.

Watch for the Fuwa to dance through the Beijing Olympics in 2008. As an American adult, I find the Fuwa appealing—they are cute, sweet, and full of childlike energy. Their characters embody the kind of cartoons I loved from my childhood. These Olympic mascots send messages of friendship and peace to children throughout the world, while representing traditions and ancient cultures of China.

The slogan, One World, One Dream, invites the entire world to unite in Olympic spirit. The Fuwa honor a Chinese tradition of spreading blessings and wishes around the world, helping to unite the world with prosperity, happiness, passion, health, and good luck. The Beijing mascots have embarked on their mission to spread the promise of One World, One Dream.