Embassy of France in China adorns exterior wall with Olympic-themed decorations to welcome upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Photos: Courtesy of Embassy of France in China

 As the countdown to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaches 90 days, the French Embassy in China has been adorned with Olympic-themed decorations. The newly adorned exterior of the embassy showcases the country's rich and diverse array of sports disciplines and architectural heritage.

Starting from April 17, within the decorative patterns on the embassy's exterior walls, one can find four symbols representing the French Republic: The Gallic Rooster, the tricolor elements, the national flag, and the Phrygian cap.

The Gallic Rooster is a globally recognized symbol of France. The association between the rooster and France comes from a pun: The Latin word "gallus" refers both to the ancestors of the French - the Gauls - and to the rooster itself.

The French national flag was created during the French Revolution, combining the white of the French monarchy with the red and blue of the city of Paris, symbolizing national unity.

The Phrygian cap is another strong symbol of the French Republic, also originating from the French Revolution. Resembling the "phileus" (Latin for cap) worn by slaves freed during the Roman Empire, it became a symbol of liberty.

The mascots of the Paris 2024, the Phryges, continue this longstanding tradition. As embodiments of the Phrygian cap, they showcase the spirit and values of France.

The new decorative art on the embassy's exterior interprets the cherished values and traditions of the country, embedding key symbols from the history of the French Republic into each pattern. The decorations will remain until the closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.