Five Olympic mascots were unveiled exatly 1000 days before the Beiling Olympic opening ceremony 。 The long—anticipated mascots feature four of China""s most popular animals—the fishthe pandathe Tibrtan antelope and the swallow 。The fifth mascot is the brightly burning Olympic flame。

Each of the mascots has a repeated two-syllable name。 This type of name is a traditional way of showing affection for children in China。

BeiBei is the fishJingJing is the panda HuanHuan is the Olympic flameYingYing is the Tibetan antelope and NiNi is the swallow。When their names are put together—-they say "Welcome to Beijing"。 The five elements of natureincluding the seaforestfireearth and sky are found in the mascot""s origins and headpieces。

These special headpieces also display the uniqur folk and culture of China。 Each mascot also symbolizes a different blessing —-prosperityhappinesspassionhealth and good luck。

It is the first time more than three mascots will share the important duty of representing their host country 。Han Meilinchief of the mascot design team explained that "China has such a profound and diversified culture that no single mascot could possibly represent it !That is why we chose to produce five mascots instesd of one