Save & Share |
|
|
|
|
| Share on Facebook | |
Mascots were not always a part of the Olympic Games. It wasn’t until 1972 that the first mascot appeared in Munich: the daschund, known for being athletic, clothed with pastel colors to show the happiness of the occasion.
Since then they’ve become an important feature of the Games, expressing the Olympic spirit, history and culture of the host city to everyone, particularly children.
Generally mascots have been mix of two or more animals or characters in the country where the games are being held.
Beijing decided to take a different approach, using signs and symbols of the ancient culture of China, when introducing the 2008 Olympics mascots, the Fuwa dolls.
The Fuwa dolls represent four of China’s most popular animals – the fish, the panda, the Tibetan antelope and the swallow – and the phrase translates into "good-luck dolls." Their mission is to create friendship and peace with people everywhere through the Olympics season.
Each Fuwa doll has their own particular name that is made up of two syllables and rhymes, such as Beibei. Altogether the names say,"Bei Jing Huang Ying Ni", which means "Welcome to Beijing."
Each doll has its own color, pertaining to one of the Olympic Rings. They also have their unique personality traits and distinct relationships with nature. Their headpieces symbolize one of the five parts of nature – sea, forest, fire, earth and sky.
Let us know what you think, email us at: outloud@outloud.com.