Meet the mascots

Bebei

Beibei, the fish, represents the blue Olympic ring, prosperity and the sea. Fish and water symbolize prosperity in traditional Chinese culture. A fish also represents surplus in harvest. The lines of the wave designs in her headdress are based on Chinese paintings of the past. Beibei, who is said to be "gentle and pure," is strong in water sports.

Jingjing

Jingjing, the panda, represents the black Olympic ring, happiness and the forest. He is said to be "charmingly naïve and optimistic," to make children smile and be noted for strength. The lotus designs in his headdress are baced on paintings from the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1234) and symbolize "the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature."

Huanhuan

Huanhuan, the Olympic Flame, represents the red ring, passion and fire. He is considered the big brother among the Fuwa and stands in the center "as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit... He inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger." The designs on his head ornament are based on the Dunhuang murals and include aspects of traditionally lucky Chinese designs. Huanhuan, who is "outgoing and enthusiastic," is strong at ball games.

Yingying

Yingying, the Tibetan antelope, represents the yellow ring, health and earth (particularly the vastness of China's landscape). The species, which is unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was one of the first animals put under protection in China and its selection here is meant to reflect Beijing's commitment to a Green Olympics. Yingying's head ornament incorporates design elements from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures, as well as the traditions of Western China. He is quick-witted, fast and agille, excelling in track and field events.

Nini

Nini, the swallow, represents the green ring, good luck and the sky. The golden-winged swallow is one of the most popular designs on kites flown by Beijing's children in spring and summer and her design is based on these kites. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Beijing was called Yanjing as an ancient capital city. Nini, who is "innocent and joyful" excels at gymnastics.



By Joe Battaglia, NBCOlympics.com


The 2008 Olympic mascots were unveiled in Beijing on November 11, 2005 - 1,000 days before the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Games. The five "Fuwa" - one to represent each of the Olympic Rings - carry a unifying message of friendship and peace, particularly aimed at the world's children. They were designed to convey the Olympic spirit and to express the playful qualities of a young group of close friends. Their mission is to help Beijing 2008 spread its theme (One World, One Dream) to every continent. Fuwa translates to good luck dolls or children carrying blessings.
Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name, which in China is a way of expressing affection towards children. Four of China' most popular animals are represented, along with the Olympic Flame. The five Fuwa are Beibei (a fish), Jingjing (a panda), Huanhuan (the Olympic Flame), Yingying (a Tibetan antelope) and Nini (a swallow). When you put the five names together - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - the phrase means "Beijing Welcomes You."
There is a long Chinese tradition of spreading good wishes through symbols and each of the Fuwa represents a different blessing (prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck). Each of the Fuwa also symbolizes one of five elements of nature - sea, forest, fire, earth and sky - with designs based on Chinese folk art and ornamentation
The mascots were initially called the "Friendlies" in English, but were later renamed Fuwa, which matches the Chinese pronunciation. "The reason to change the English name to the pinyin form is that Fuwa is more accessible and easy to remember," said a BOCOG official. It was also reported that the word could lead to confusion in several ways: because the word "friendlies" could too easily be confused with "friendless," because it can be broken down into the words "friend" and "lies," and because "friendly" also means a scrimmage, or a game played for practice.