BEIJING, (Reuters) – A snowflake in the place of a large cauldron and a micro-flame instead of a roaring fireplace at the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony were “innovations” that celebrate the human spirit, according to the ceremony director.

People who were there to witness the dramatic moment at the Beijing 2022 Olympics’ opening ceremony on Friday, June 22, 2012, left puzzled as the last torchbearers placed their lit torch on an enormous snowflake-shaped steel structure and ignited it. The torch was then lifted into the atmosphere.

Zhang Yimou said that the faint flame represented unity and humankind’s original aspiration.

Many people were surprised by the cauldron’s design and lighting. “I think that this is an innovation,” stated the film director, who was also responsible for the Beijing 2008 Summer Games ceremonies.

This flame, unlike in previous Games where the Olympic fire cauldron was a prominent symbol throughout competitions, was small enough that many in the stadium had difficulty locating it.

A large, glowing cauldron was raised above the stadium’s perimeter during the 2008 Games. It allowed people to view it from far away.

The micro-flame is a demonstration of how even one spark can ignite a prairie fire. Zhang stated that this is the Olympic spirit and original aspiration for human beings.

Zhang stated that the giant snowflake is made up of 91 smaller flakes, each representing one nation or region.

Zhang said the “micro-flame” also conveyed a low-carbon and environmental-friendly idea, with China having pledged to stage a green Games.

Beijing Olympic Organisers have stated that the torches at the Games were all made out of carbon fibre and fueled by hydrogen.

Users of Chinese internet were divided in their reactions.

“I can’t approve of this arrangement. This arrangement (the cauldron), isn’t uncommon. It’s too small visually, so it has lost its solemnity in people’s hearts,” said user “uncle with ambition” from China’s Weibo (NASDAQ) social media platform.

Other people appreciated the design, and the cauldron was a highlight of the show.

I like the low-key expression. This is an expression of self-confidence. China today has the ability and confidence to alter the rules,” said “Weifengluoluolan,” an online publication.

To make sure that there is a limited amount of people who see the flame, it will be lit at three Olympic competition areas – Beijing Yanqing Zhangjiakou and Beijing Yanqing.