Olympics Mascots
The Olympic mascot, like many things in Chinese culture combine to express a message on different levels. The mascot is called the Fuwa and the Chinese name of the five symbols combine to form the words "Welcome to Beijing"- "Beijing Huan Ying NIN" in Chinese.
The five Fuwa are cartooned depictions of a fish, a giant panda, a Tibetan antelope, a swallow and the Olympics flame. The Fuwa figures draw their colors and inspiration from the Five Rings of the Olympics which epitomize the Olympic spirit of friendship and peace through sport.
The design and appearance of the 5 figures are typical of artistic expression in traditional Chinese art. Each of the Fuwa represents one of the five elements of nature: sea, forest, fire, land and sky, stylistically rendered in a way that embodies the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art.
Fuwa Beibei- the fish, symbolizes the blessings of prosperity. The pattern of "Fish" and "water" is embodiment of prosperity and good harvests in the Chinese tradition.
Fuwa Jingjing is the treasure of the Chinese nation - an amicable giant panda and he carries the massage of happiness. Huanhuan's homeland in the wild forest affords him the spirit of the harmonious existence between humans and nature.
Huanhuan - the flame is the bigger brother of the five Fuwas. He is the representation of the Olympics and possess the passion of the Olympic Games of being faster, higher, stronger.
The agile cartooned Tibetan Antelope, Yingying is embodiment of the geographical vastness of China; he spreads the sweet wish of health.
Yingying is a flying swallow, the embodiment of good luck