As an important part of the Olympic movement, mascots have captured the public's attention since their inception. The mascot for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen, became so popular that it was in short supply for a long time. The upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, which will take place from July 26 to August 11, will be no exception when it comes to the excitement surrounding its mascot.
Bing Dwen Dwen and the Phryges are pictured at the Beijing Olympic Museum on May 29, 2024. /CFP
The mascot for the Paris Olympics is the Phryges, inspired by the traditional French Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom and has been a part of French history for centuries. This design reflects France's rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Phryges mascot for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris /CFP
Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, was inspired by the giant panda. Encased in an ice shell, Bing Dwen Dwen symbolizes not only Chinese culture but also a high sense of science and technology.
A photo taken on February 8, 2022 shows Bing Dwen Dwen mascots being manufactured in a factory in east China's Jiangsu Province. /CFP
Both mascots successfully blend the culture and characteristics of the host country. Through their adorable appearances and profound symbolic meanings, they promote international cultural exchange and add a unique charm to their respective Olympic Games.