The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular multi-course feast ranging from China's immense and colorful history to China's hope for harmony and connection with the world today and in the future.
The Chinese symbol for Harmony was present throughout the four-hour ceremony, and this concept was apparent in the training of this people who were, for generations, held separate from the world. The 15,000 performers, none of whom were repeated during the performance, flowed with a precision that fulfilled the theme of Harmony. Each part, each participant, was a progression, and the way they melded into each other was fascinating to observe and profound to experience. 2008 Tai Chi Masters performed in perfect synchronization as did the awe-inspiring 2008 Fou drum performers that helped open the ceremony.
We were also reminded of the many advancements the Chinese nation has given to the world. The technology used to manifest these beautiful images was used thoughtfully and projected in unique and moving ways.
The Chinese invention of paper was represented by the 810 Confucius followers with bamboo scrolls. Chinese printing blocks (manipulated from beneath by hundreds of performers working in beautiful harmony) rose from the floor reminding us that they also invented the printing process. The blocks moving in a motion reminiscent of wind represented the Confucius statement, "the virtuous leader can pass across his subjects with the ease of the wind." Lead not with harshness but with gentleness. Harmony. The blocks then move in a beautiful water motion, representing the stillness and inner peace we strive to achieve that then leads to external peace. Harmony. As individuals, as a nation, and as the world. A very profound wish from a nation that has its own internal and external strifes.
The symbol of the Great Wall was beautifully represented on a huge LED screen that spread about 500 feet across the floor of the stadium. The Great Wall was brought down and replaced with blossoming plum flowers, a Chinese symbol of openness. The single dancer held atop many dancers beneath represented that "the greatness of one is in cooperation and with the help of many."
The maritime history and tradition of the country was beautifully represented as men rowed massive oars. They symbolized China moving forward and expanding trade, as well as a reminder that the magnetic compass was invented in China.
Then we saw the grandeur of the various historic Chinese dynasties with many women in green, blue, gold, and red, accompanied by emperors atop columns. Beautiful!
The nationally-renowned pianist was surrounded by people linked in unique costumes and lights. Soon came the moment representing China's emergence into the world community, for the first time allowing individualism! Then came a reminder that the Chinese invented the kite - they have given the world not only technology and advancement but pleasure and joy!
The "Bird's Nest," the great stadium in which we all were seated, has a gorgeous membrane atop it, a screen upon which images were continuously projected. We saw a large on-screen waterfall, reminding us that "the true virtuous life is lived like a waterfall - flowing easily, moving away from resistance and collision, always delicate, graceful, and calm." A wish for the world.
The 2008 Tai Chi Masters reminded us that Qi is an energy that permeates everything. Tai Chi is medicinal, and these masters move the Qi around within their bodies for health and well being, strength and energy. Tai Chi was practiced around a group of children, symbolizing problems of global warming and resource depletion. The harmony of Tai Chi equals the harmony of man and nature and we must be more harmonious with nature. The practice of Tai Chi shows us that "movement in one direction often begins with a subtle move in the opposite direction." We must not always push forward immediately but sometimes take a step back before progressing. This segment ended in flocks of birds returning on the screen, symbolizing prosperity and environmentalism.
Then came the Tai-ka-nauts = Astronauts = the earth and planets! We heard the song "You and Me" as athletes danced on the sides, top, and bottom, of the earth, as pictures wer projected on the sphere. One world, one dream, a hope for the future.
Finally the Olympic Flag was raised in concert with the Olympic Anthem, and we saw the Olympic Flame which had traveled 130 days and 130 cities. There were eight flame carriers inside the stadium. The final carrier run elegantly around the top of the membrane on the stadium, revealing images of the torch relay as he ran. Then he lit a channel that ran up and around the elaborate torch at the top of the stadium, which burst into living, exciting flame that will burn until the end of the Games. Then the sky filled with fireworks, another Chinese invention, with a subtle reminder that even items that can be used as dangerous weapons, when used for the right purpose with the right heart, can be for the good and enjoyment of all.
THE GAMES ARE OPEN!
