The meaning and symbol of the lion

Lions are auspicious, prosperous and endless, symbolizing status, dignity and peace.

The image of a lion often appears in Buddhist classics and Buddhist statues. Manjusri Bodhisattva, a wise Buddha, takes the lion as its mount, thus adding auspicious meaning to the lion.

Ancient officials and extended families were the ruling class and aristocratic class of society. Lions occupied the supreme position among all animals, and lion statues also became a symbol of authority.

The moral of different lions:

1, the stone lion outside the palace gate:

There are usually a pair of stone lions or bronze lions outside the palace gate. According to the architectural orientation, the paired stone lions in front of the ancient palace are generally left male and right female. Lions placed on the left side of the door are usually carved into right front paws to play with hydrangeas (some are carved with their mouths open).

And because the lion is the king of beasts, a domineering beast. So it has the functions of "dignity" and "majesty". Today, it has extended from palaces and yamen to government agencies at all levels and even private houses. In front of the door, people like to use stone lions to ward off evil spirits.

2. Folk stone lions:

Among the people, lions have become brave, powerful and auspicious incarnations. Performing arts and plastic arts are often inextricably linked. The lion image in the lion dance is created by folk artists according to their own aesthetic ideals. Lively, naughty and lovely, completely lost the prestige of "the king of beasts"

In folk art, the lion also resonates with the voices of "Taishi" and "Shao Shi", implying a lofty position. Unlike the dragon and phoenix, the lion, as a royal patent, only appears in the modeling of court art. The lion modeling art is spread all over the homes of ordinary people, and even a pair of small stone lions may be erected at the door of ordinary people's homes.