Source: CCTV.com

02-05-2008 09:40

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

The Spring Festival usually means the beginning of a year, but this time it's something more than that. For people in China, it's a reminder that the country is that much nearer to holding the Olympic Games. The people in Gaomi city, Shandong province have been welcoming the Olympic New Year in their own special way.

Li Xiuzhen, a resident of Gaomi city, has been busy  making these clay mascots.

Li Xiuzhen, a resident of Gaomi city, has been busy making these clay mascots.

The five clay dolls have become the focus of attention of many mischievous children. They have discarded their own toys, looking instead to the person who has been making the mascots.

The idea for the five clay dolls was completely thought up by Li Xiuzhen.

Li Xiuzhen, Gaomi Resident said "I drew a Chinese character 'zhong' under the flame. It means that the people are united to lift the Olympic torch, welcoming the arrival of the 2008, and running to the Beijing Olympics."

This creativity doesn't just result in clay mascots. People in Gaomi also use Puhui New Year Paintings to depict the characters of the five dolls.

Puhui New Year Paintings are also known as "folk freehand  brushwork", and was formed in the early years of the  Ming Dynasty some 700 years ago.

Puhui New Year Paintings are also known as "folk freehand brushwork", and was formed in the early years of the Ming Dynasty some 700 years ago. Puhui painting is a unique New Year painting genre that reflects local customs and culture, and preserves some traditional skills of Chinese folk painting. So it's an authentic Chinese way to show the world what the fuwas' look like.

Lv Qinli, Gaomi Resident said "In order to welcome the Beijing Olympics, I am preparing to have more works related to Olympic topics, such as Olympic sports events."

During the Spring Festival, you will see couplets pasted to the doors of every household that usually contain people's wishes for the New Year. But in this special year, 2008, the couplets are full of good wishes for the Olympic Games.

A red paper, a pair of scissors, that's what Qi Xiuhua uses everyday to express her support for the Olympics. Her paper cutting covers every kind of Olympic topic, from the Fuwas, to the various Olympic sports.

Qi Xiuhua, Gaomi Resident said "I use paper cutting to show the different appearances and styles of the Olympic athletes around the world, and record the best moments of the competition."

Meanwhile, local residents put on a number of activities to welcome the Olympics, including Yangge Dance, Stilt Walking and local operas.

 

Editor:Xiong Qu