Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni !
There has always been a tradition of symbolism in China, and this summer's Olympic mascots are a fascinating example of how that tradition has been put to use which would make an interesting study with your children.
This is from the official site:
"Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace - and good wishes from China - to children all over the world.
Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals - the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow - and the Olympic Flame.
Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name - a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
When you put their names together - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games." Read more
I have just added a collection of coloring pages for the "fuwa", or mascots, which I think are very cute - I hope you agree!
Olympics Coloring Pages
And of course we have lots of great crafts, coloring pages, worksheets and many more activities for this summer's Olympics at Activity Village:
Summer Olympics
