The torch relay and its traditions
This is an illustration of the unity and uniqueness of the Chinese people. It also represented the ancient ties and the traditions of the communities. The torch was carried for 130 days which was supposed to shoe harmony within the Chinese people and the ancient’s traditions that brought them together. Of all the torches, this torch was carried for the longest time to showcase the respect the people of China have had amongst themselves and the people around them. China has been criticized for not embracing human rights and has been in the limelight for the same. Therefore, the protestors did not see how the torch of harmony represented the views of the Chinese government.
The cultural representation of the number eight
The torch relay in the 2008 Olympics in China was to represent ancient traditions and ties with its communities. The torch which had some red ancient patterns was carried for 30 days. The main theme of relaying the torch was to reinforce the harmony within its communities and the ancient traditions that bring them together. It also embraced the fight for human rights representation contrary to what has been said about china’s human rights enforcement.
The use of cultural symbolism
The culture of communism
The red symbol used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is that of a lantern and a dancing human being. It is a representation of the traditional festival in China that has been in their midst since ancient times. The lantern was a symbol of joy and a celebratory time in the history of the Chinese people. The use of the environmental symbol is Chinas appreciation for the preservation of nature and greenness. It also proved that China has been in support of greenness since ancient times.
References
Findling, J. E., & Pelle, K. D. (2008). Encyclopedia of the modern Olympic movement. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.
Latham, K. (2009). Pop culture China: Media, arts, and lifestyle. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO.
Price, M. E., & Dayan, D. (2008). Owning the Olympics: Narratives of the new China. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Xu, G. (2008). Olympic dreams: China and sports, 1895-2008. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
