The long and eventful Olympic torch relay in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Games has taken on a whole new meaning in China since the devastating earthquake on May 12.

Previously showing a nation's confidence and pride, as in the scaling of Mt. Qomolongma on May 8, the torch has become a beacon of unity in the face of a massive tragedy.

The deadly quake centered on Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, rocked southwest China as the flame passed through Xiamen, Fujian Province.

The next day, retired badminton player and torch bearer Chen Hong on the Longyan leg of the relay urged torch bearers nationwide to donate to quake relief.

"The Olympic torch relay not only passes the Olympic spirit of unity, peace and friendship, but China's national spirit of pulling together in times of difficulty. Hopefully, quake survivors can overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes soon," Chen said.

Since the flame entered Jiangxi Province on May 14, the ceremonies have been scaled back: choruses of "Go Sichuan, Go China" have replaced rousing music, and collection boxes are shaken instead of garlands of flowers.

After the relay in Jianggangshan, Jiangxi Province, on May 15, local businesses and individuals had donated more than 16 million yuan.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) announced on May 18 the suspension of the relay for three days over the national mourning period, but said it would resume on May 22.

The route has been adjusted, with the Sichuan leg postponed from June 15 to 18 until Aug. 3 to 5.

"The Chinese people have pledged to the world to host a successful Olympic Games. To honor those killed in the earthquake, my colleagues and I feel obliged to make the Beijing Olympics a great success," said Wang Pingjiu, of the BOCOG.

Since the relay resumed in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, a one-minute silence has been observed and collections held in every city.

"A simplified torch relay event shows respect for quake survivors. They are suffering the loss of loved ones and homes, and we feel their grief," said Liu Yong, a spectator in Hefei, Anhui Province.