OLYMPICS /
Cultural Olympics
Mascots, Auspicious Animals
Chinaculture.org
Updated: 2008-08-09 13:35
Nini is the Swallow. Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital. Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular. Nini's figure is drawn from this grand tradition of flying designs. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city. Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.
Beibei
Olympic Ring: Blue.
Design: Fish
Personality: Gentle, Pure
Represented ideal: Prosperity
Represented sport: Aquatic Sports
Jingjing
Olympic Ring: Black.
Design: Giant Panda