The colossal Bird's Nest Stadium launched a sensational and dramatic extravaganza of the Olympics ‘opening ceremony' which ignited with fabulous fireworks flashing in the sky in a riot of colour at 8.08pm on the eight day of the eight month 2008.
Five thousand years of Chinese history, culture and dynasty with China's 56 ethnic groups was revealed in five classical stages through dance, music, poetry and art with the unrolling of a gigantic, fantastic painting depicting ancient China, the silk route, the Great Wall to life in contemporary China and the Forbidden City.
From kite-flying close to 500BC to the Golden Rule and philosophy, calligraphy, paper processing and inventing the compass, printing and gunpowder.
The big H being the most significant letter representing Harmony in the world was celebrated in this The Green Games with the theme being ‘one world one dream' with the union of Yin and Yang.
Confucius would have been delighted and amused to see this mass harmony of spirit, the accumulation of 91 thousand people from around the globe including a plethora of presidents, triple A sports men/women, celebrities and royalty all packed into a Bird's Nest incubating and being watched globally by over 3 billion!
Confucius might have exclaimed: Ho, ho, this is so, so good. Or, Hun, hun, this is fun, fun!
Poetry recitals included Ch'iens nature poems when all the elements were represented along with the drama of rolling thunder and cool waterfalls; prior to which was a display of Ti Chi or shadow boxing - dynamics combining soft with strong in harmony with nature.
The sparkling spectacle continued with approx 10,000 athletes and teams from over 200 countries, some parading in attractive traditional costume around the Stadium led by the Greeks, founders of the legendary Olympic Games before 777 BC.
The Olympic flame was then carried by Li Ning in a most spectacular fashion (the Chinese gymnast held by invisible wire appeared to be running in the air alongside upper, inner rim of the Stadium holding the flame) until the great torch magically appeared and was finally lit to the thrill and roar of the crowds.
After the Olympic Oath was taken the ceremony concluded with the President of the IOC Jacques Rogge reminding athletes "remember that you are role models for the youth of the world..." While President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao said the Games were "a celebration of humanity" and so the Games continue to forge friendships through competition for 16 days.
In London, we look forward to the 2012 Olympics to rival past and present Games and we hope for even more surprises and great things to come.
By Amita Chatterji © Photos Beijing Olympics 08 Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony
Gigantic painting unrolling
Sarah Brightman Andy Murray
Raphael Nadal Hu Jintao
HRH Princess Anne Thomas Daley
Photos from Closing Ceremony Beijing Olympics 08 below:
Song Zongying Placido Domindo, Song Zongying
Placido and Song Zongying Jackie Chan
Usain Bolt David Beckham
WOW!!!