Although the lion is not included in the traditional Chinese zodiac, it has always been regarded as a mascot by the Chinese people and appears in front of many temples, Taoist temples, banks, and garden mausoleums.
In fact, lions are not native to China, but are native to Central Asia and Africa. The Chinese lion was introduced from the ancient countries of Central Asia. It came to the Central Plains around the pre-Qin era and became the "Chinese lion".
With the introduction of Buddhism, the status of the lion as a spiritual beast that protects the Dharma has greatly increased in the minds of the Chinese people. The stone lions that were originally buried as tomb beasts or stood on both sides of the shrine in front of the emperor's tomb were also placed in front of the Yangzhai gate to guard Feng Shui.
Generally speaking, stone lions are placed at gates or used on buildings for four main reasons:
First, to ward off evil spirits:
< p>The ancients believed in the theory of Feng Shui and used "auspicious animals" as tools to control the house and ward off evil spirits. Therefore, it was first used to guard the tomb. Folks setting up stone lions at rural intersections have the same function as "Shi Gandang", and they are also used to ward off evil spirits, suppress bad luck and protect peace.
Second, predicting floods:
In folklore, it is said that stone lions have the function of predicting disasters. In the event of natural disasters such as flooding or land subsidence, the stone lion's eyes will turn red, which is a warning for people to evacuate immediately.
Third, to show the power:
In ancient times, stone lions were often used to guard the doors of palaces, palaces, government offices, and residences, showing the power and dignity of the owner. However, these stone lions are still divided into grades. The stone lion in front of the first-grade official's residence has 13 bumps on its head, and is known as the "Thirteen Taibao". For each grade lowered, the stone lion will have one less bump on its head.
Fourth, art decoration:
Stone lions are also indispensable decorations in ancient buildings. The Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing is famous for its decorations. However, the placement of the stone lions guarding the gate is very particular. They are all male and one female. The male lion steps on the hydrangea under his paws, and the female lion presses the young lion with her feet. They are "male on the left and female on the right" (based on the direction of people entering and exiting the gate). ), in line with the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy of "men on the left and women on the right".