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Imperial past drives China's Olympic dream
2008-08-21
BEIJING (AFP) - China's record-breaking athletes have more than adoring fans driving them onto Olympic glory, they also have constant reminders of the nation's glorious imperial history. From Olympic venues to the medals themselves, China has made a vast effort to trumpet its triumphant past -- a move which experts say is a way to link China's 21st century sporting might with its accomplishments during imperial times. "Why shouldn't Chinese pride in hosting the Olympics involve Chinese pride in the great achievements of their past?" says historian and China specialist John Wills. The two iconic Olympic venues -- the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium and the "Water Cube" swimming center where Michael Phelps earned his place in history -- are prime examples of Beijing's focus on the past and present. The Olympic Museum in the Swiss city of Lausanne says the "Bird's Nest" is inspired by the cracked glaze of a vase from the Song dynasty (960-1279) and the wooden lattice of a window from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The ultra-modern "Water Cube" calls to mind the traditional Beijing courtyard home, or siheyuan. Lionel Jensen, a professor of Chinese studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States, says the architects wanted to find common ground linking the modern era with the past. "These edifices mark the space of the new China, the China of grand aspirations and an urge for greatness that is assuming a distinct, and quite compelling 21st century form," he said. "The fact that this postmodern architecture can rise out of the foundations of the old China is a message that is also conveyed by the iconography of these games." Red and yellow are obviously the colours of the national flag carried by NBA superstar Yao Ming at the opening ceremony, but they have historical significance that is surely not lost on the competitors. Red is both the symbol of the Communist party and the signature colour of lacquered furniture in imperial-era homes, while yellow is a reminder of the intricate gilded designs on the roof of the centuries-old Forbidden City. The dazzling Games opening ceremony recalled some of China's greatest contributions to the world -- paper, gunpowder, the compass and printing. And even the medals have a Chinese twist -- the front bears the image of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, but the back is made of jade, a symbol of the emperor's wealth. For Jensen, China's love affair with history is about more than pride. It is also about money. The American professor said there was an obvious presence of traditional themes on the logos, souvenirs and other products associated with the Games. Example: the Chinese have gone mad for the five Olympic mascots, snapping up dolls and t-shirts with their likeness. One of the five -- Jingjing the panda who represents happiness -- has a floral headdress inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty. The red running man' logo seen on Beijing Olympic souvenirs recalls the art of Chinese seals and calligraphy, two traditions that thrived during centuries of imperial rule. And Ming-era "lucky clouds" can be seen everywhere here -- on the Olympic torch, on medal podiums, and on the official Adidas track suits of China's athletes, which are selling for a crisp 680 yuan (100 dollars) each in Beijing shops.
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