Why are some decorative animals often arranged on the roofs of ancient buildings?

We often see many buildings different from today's reinforced concrete. They are magnificent, or blue bricks and tiles, carved columns and painted buildings, which can be described as works of art. In addition to these, there are various small animals on the roof, roof or eaves of buildings, with different sizes and numbers. Is this the expression of ancient architectural aesthetics?

In ancient China, there were four spirits: Kirin, Phoenix, Turtle and Dragon. People think that they exercise their sacred rights, defend the world and bring peace and happiness to people. Therefore, people call these four gods "the four great beasts". People like to wear ornaments with four auspicious animals.

In architecture, these four kinds of beasts are built on the roof for the safety of the house and the prosperity of the population. Many decorative animals appearing on buildings come from these four spirits. Through observation, we will find that the number and size of decorative animals arranged on different buildings are different. Is there any pattern?

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, there was only one kind of vertebrate. Later, according to legend, people increased the number of vertebrates, and by the Qing Dynasty, a complete system had been initially formed. Decorative animals on the roof can be divided into roof animals, cornice animals, spiny-nosed animals and immortal animals. Generally, kissing animals and ornamental animals are placed on the front ridge of the house.

The hanging beast is placed on the vertical ridge, and the fighting beast is placed on the ridge. The number of decorative animals placed is also a way to flaunt grades. According to relevant literature, the more the number, the higher the level. In ancient times when imperial power was supreme, only the Golden Hall where the emperor presided over the affairs of state could house ten-ridged beasts. In other places, one, three or five units of decorative beasts were generally placed according to the level and scale.

And what kind of animals are used to decorate the place depends on the meaning of various animals. Now we see a series of decorative beasts in the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, which are based on folklore and cast as "immortal riding a phoenix" series. At the top of the mountain, there are people riding impatiens, followed by Yi Long's two phoenixes and three lions, Haima's Tianma's six gambling fish, Sister-in-law's nine bullfights, and finally, he dressed as a monkey. Placing decorative animals not only has the meaning of worshipping god, but also has the function of use.

The ancient buildings in China are mostly brick-wood structures, and the glazed tiles placed on the roof can easily slide to the eaves along the purlins, so the ancients used tile nails to fix the tiles in front of the eaves. Using some animal decorations to cover up the exposed tile nails is also an artistic expression of ancient working people's attention to architectural beauty.