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The 2022 Winter Olympics now have an official mascot. On Wednesday, September 18, an “ice panda” mascot was unveiled for the Beijing Games. The panda — which is meant to resemble an astronaut — is wearing a suit of ice.
According to Chinese state news Xinhua, the panda’s name is Bing Dwen Dwen. “Bing” is the Mandarin word for ice, while “dwen dwen” translates to robust and lively.
There is also a lantern mascot named “Shuey Rhon Rhon” which will be used for the Paralympics. The lantern is symbolic because the Paralympics will officially kickoff three days after the Chinese New Year. “Shuey Rhon Rhon” is meant to represent “warmth, friendship, courage, and perseverance.”
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“Bing Dwen Dwen is encased in a full-body ‘shell’ made of ice, and the heart shape in its left palm represents the host country’s hospitality,” a statement from the International Olympic Committee read.
“The bright colors of the halo around its face represent ice and snow sport tracks, signifying connectivity and advanced technologies. The newly launched Olympic mascot resembles an astronaut, embracing new technologies for a future with infinite possibilities.”
“The Paralympic mascot, also revealed today, is called Shuey Rhon Rhon, a lantern child ready to welcome friends from around the world. The name signifies warmth, friendship, courage and perseverance,” the IOC added.
The 2022 Winter Olympics will officially kickoff in Beijing on Friday, February 4. They will run through Sunday, February 20 as Beijing celebrates the first time China has hosted the Winter Games. It is only the second time that the Chinese capital of Beijing has hosted the Olympics.
