There were five Olympic Mascots for Beijing 2008: Beibei (blue Fish), Jingjing (black Panda), Huanhuan (red Flame), Yingying (yellow Antelope) and Nini (green Swallow).
Each of the macots (Friendlies) has a rhyming two-syllable name, which is a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Their five names together – "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" – says ‘Welcome to Beijing’.
Each mascot derived their color from the five Olympic Rings. The characters of each of the mascots represent four of China's most popular animals - the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, and the Swallow, while the fifth mascot represents the Olympic Flame.
Related Pages
- Other Olympic Mascots