The official mascot for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China, is a giant panda named Bing Dwen Dwen. The selection of the giant panda as the mascot pays homage to China's national treasure and symbolizes the country's rich cultural heritage. Bing Dwen Dwen is an adorable panda wearing a suit of ice, signifying the winter sports that will be showcased during the games. The choice of Bing Dwen Dwen as the official mascot is not only a nod to China's cultural significance, but it also aligns with the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, and respect. The cute and friendly persona of the giant panda resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a suitable ambassador for the international sporting event. In addition to Bing Dwen Dwen, the 2022 Olympic mascot family includes four other characters: Shuey Rhon Rhon, a red lantern; Chuey Bao Bao, a Chinese rockhopper penguin; Bei Bei, a shining snow leopard; and Jingjing, an adorable Tibetan antelope.
The book includes a secret recipe, a coloring book, and matching full-color illustrations.
Jonathan is disturbed by stories told to him by his mother about his aunt Karen being a witch and he s frightened to no end; he s convinced the stories are real. The colorful animated drawings really help bring the story to life and there is an abundance of different drawings that add to the world of the game.
In addition to Bing Dwen Dwen, the 2022 Olympic mascot family includes four other characters: Shuey Rhon Rhon, a red lantern; Chuey Bao Bao, a Chinese rockhopper penguin; Bei Bei, a shining snow leopard; and Jingjing, an adorable Tibetan antelope. Each of these mascots represents different regions and aspects of Chinese culture, contributing to the celebration of diversity and unity. The selection process for the 2022 Olympic mascot involved a nationwide competition in China, where individuals submitted their designs and concepts for consideration.
My Aunt Was a Witch!
When we think about witches, what normally comes to mind is an ugly, old woman with a wart on the tip of her nose, casting spells over a boiling pot. At least, this is the way Hollywood has portrayed them. It is 100% different from what we consider a witch in the Basque culture. We call them sorguiñe, which means “the one that gives life”.
In all Basque families there is at least one witch. In my family, we had a very special one. Her name was Marichu Erlanz de Guller. She was born at the beginning of the twentieth century, in a small village in the Pyrenees, a place where nature is so powerful that it talks to people. She had conversations with the rivers and the trees. In our culture this is a normal thing, so there was no problem with that. By the age of 6, she could see the “colored lights” that surround people. She learned what each color signified, and especially what it meant when the light started to fade…
Marichu was an avid reader who was interested in learning about everything: medicine, herbs, math, geography, etc. She decided that she wanted to become a teacher and that is what she did. One day, a foreign car stopped at the door of the school and the love of her life appeared. His name was Giovanni Guller, an elegant Swiss gentleman who understood what a special woman she was. He educated her and gave her the freedom and support to do research at a moment in history when women were not allowed to. They travelled the world and met some of the most interesting people of their time.
When Giovanni died, my aunt returned to the Basque Country, and settled in San Sebastian. After so many years of research it was the right moment to put all her knowledge into practice . Marichu realized that she could help people and her home became a pilgrimage spot for both believers and skeptics.
I remember her opening the door of her home to politicians, priests, and movie stars, but also to farmers and students. Some people needed to be healed, others were looking for a lost relative. Some wanted guidance for their future and others shared horror stories of the war with her.
For some people she would read the Tarot cards. With others, she would place her hands where the pain was. Sometimes she would read their palm or use a pendulum. She would treat everybody as equal and she never charged anybody. She used to say “I am not a witch. I have a gift that I didn't ask for, and gifts have to be given just with love.”
One day, when I was 8 years old, she yelled like crazy, “Run, open all the taps in the house and leave the water running! DO IT NOW!” It was weird; nobody could hear her but me. I opened all the faucets and I knew right away that something was coming. Whatever it was, wasn’t good, it was evil.
I opened the door, and I saw three bodyguards escorting a tall, thin man. He really didn't need protection, he was powerful, maybe too powerful. I could clearly hear my aunt commanding me to leave the bodyguards outside the house, and I had to walk the man in. Once in the room, she asked me to sit by her side. Calmly, with a peaceful smile, she grabbed my hand and said “Don´t worry. You are ready”. Suddenly I felt as if I was burning inside, everything outside slowed down while my head was speeding up, we became energy. An incredibly powerful energy. I remember the evil guy telling us to stop “the search”, and us answering back, that that was impossible. For a second, I saw into his soul. All I saw was horror. People in gas chambers, thousands of dead bodies. It was terrible, he was really evil, there was no regret or guilt.
It took a while to become an 8-year-old kid again, I could feel water running inside of my veins like a purifying river. Once I could talk, I asked her if we had won, and she said “Yes. For now, yes”.
When aunt Marichu died in 1993, we helped her daughter to clean out her house.The job for us kids was to organize all her books. thousands of them. We had to make two mountains: one with normal books, and the other one with “different” books. We had to organize the “different” ones by shields on the cover: NATO, NASA, CIA…
Days later, some men arrived, took the books and disappeared. What was in those books? In the old NATO ones, there were pictures of Nazis and references to the Nuremberg trials. Was “the search”, the search for Nazis? I guess we will never know, but for sure, my aunt´s life would make a much better Hollywood film than the ones we know about witches.
My Aunt is a Witch plays out like more of a children’s story filled. There are a large variety of characters, and the cast really grows by the end. There isn’t any dialogue to be heard in the game, just music that loops until you advance to the next section and simple sound effects during moments of action. Fortunately, the music isn’t annoying and adds to the youthful sound of the game.
The chosen mascots were then unveiled to the public, garnering excitement and anticipation for the upcoming games. Overall, the official mascot for the 2022 Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen, embodies the spirit of the event and showcases the Chinese culture to the world. With its lovable and playful appearance, it is sure to captivate the hearts of both athletes and spectators alike, further enhancing the Olympic experience..
Reviews for "The Official Mascot for the 2022 Olympics: A Symbol of Peace and Harmony in a Divided World"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I must say that I am thoroughly disappointed with the official mascot for the 2022 Olympics. It lacks creativity and imagination. The design is lackluster and doesn't represent the spirit and energy of the event. I expected something much better and more visually appealing. Overall, I feel let down by the choice of mascot.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I have mixed feelings about the official mascot for the 2022 Olympics. While it may be visually appealing to some, I find it to be quite generic and unoriginal. The choice of a typical animal as the mascot fails to capture the essence of the international event. I believe the designers could have taken a more innovative approach and come up with something more unique and memorable.
3. Lisa - ★☆☆☆☆
I cannot understand why the official mascot for the 2022 Olympics was chosen. It is simply unremarkable and forgettable. The design lacks vibrancy and personality, making it difficult to connect with. Given the prestige and importance of the Olympics, I expected a mascot that would inspire and leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, this mascot fails to meet those expectations and falls short in every aspect.