Stone lions, stone kylin and other images solemnly set off the grave.
So, is it better to put a lion or a unicorn in front of the tomb? Which one is used more? Let the cemetery feng shui tell you.
Stone lion statues first appeared in stone carvings with guards on both sides of Shinto in front of the tombs of emperors and aristocratic bureaucrats in Han Dynasty, and spread from there. The appearance of stone lion statues in Han dynasty was closely related to the wind of reburial at that time. In fact, thick burial had risen before the Han Dynasty, but it reached a peak in the Han Dynasty. Emperors and nobles built tombs for themselves, with the aim of having a home after death, and at the same time carrying their concept of treating death as life.
Then why a lion? The reason is the spread of Buddhism. After Buddhism was introduced into China, it quickly took root in China and became a part of national belief. On the Buddha's platform in the grottoes, a pair of stone lions sharpened by the gods are often carved to protect the law and ward off evil spirits. Buddhism uses this as a metaphor for the Buddha's bravery and fearlessness. Since the lion is sacred to Buddhism, of course, it should be taken seriously. Therefore, building a stone lion statue in front of the cemetery is actually a belief in Buddhism.
Lions are also very influential in the ruling class. During the Han and Tang dynasties, the lion's bravery became the representative of military commanders, and its position was higher than that of tiger and leopard. In the late Tang Dynasty, the lion's status was unparalleled, and it had become a symbol of power and martial arts. Many powerful people spend their energy ordering craftsmen to carve stone lions and put them in front of graves to show their status and power.
On the other hand, Kirin was the most popular auspicious animal in ancient China. Their appearance indicates the happiness of a generation. Therefore, the ancients hoped that Kirin could always accompany them, bring them good luck and light, and eliminate ominous. When this belief was handed down in ancient times, the auspicious meaning of Kirin was also recognized by the general public and firmly existed in people's consciousness, so it is not surprising that Kirin was placed in front of the grave.
Conclusion: Besides Shishi and Qilin, Shiyang, Shima, Shi Hu, Elephant and Camel are also spirits guarding the town tomb. Dragon turtle, common in ancient imperial tombs, is generally used to carry stone tablets, which is now rare; There are even fewer stone statues like Weng Zhong and civilian military commanders.