Transcript Imperial Guardian Lions

Imperial Guardian
Lions
English 1
Louise S. McGehee
2005
By: Allison and Ayanna
“Imperial Guardian Lions”
Representation of the Guardian
Lion
• The guardian lion is a
worshiped animal in
the Chinese culture.
– A protector of all
homes, businesses,
and palaces.
• The guardian lion is
portrayed as a
courageous and
powerful animal.
“Gilded iron Guardian Lion Antique and
Collectibles”
History of the Guardian
Lion
• Lions have never been native to China.
• They were presented as gifts to Emperor
Zheng.
• They quickly spread throughout all of
Asia.
• The guardian lions are dated back as far
as the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).
• The Guardian lions are also known as Fo
Dogs.
Myth of the Fo Dogs
• The main myth of the
Guardian lions comes
from the Buddhist
founder (Sakyamuni).
• It is said that he was
seen after birth to
point to the heavens
and the earth while
roaring like a lion.
• Soon after, the lions
were adopted as
guardian lions.
• Through this tale the
lion has become the
protector of dharma.
– Dharma is celebrated
by the religion of
Buddhism and
Hinduism.
– It examines how
good people were in
their past lives, and
then decides what role
they will take for their
next life.
Description of the Male Guardian
Lion
• The male lion’s right paw
rests upon a ball, which
he protects.
– The ball represents the
earth, the sun, and the
empire.
• The male or female will
have different number of
curls on their head.
“Gilded iron Guardian Lion Antique
and Collectibles”
– The more curls the higher
ranking official who reside
in the building.
Description of the Female
Guardian
• The female’s left paw
lays on top of her cub.
• As the female guards
her cub, she guards the
structure where she is
placed.
– She protects the
people inside.
• The female, paired with
the male lion, always
sits on the right side.
“Imperial Guardian Lions”
Still Recognized Today
• Today, the guardian lion is
still recognized all through
Asia and throughout the
world.
• Over the years the
guardian lion has been
interpreted into many
things.
• A myth of the guardian
lion has lead to the
celebration of the lion
during the Chinese New
Year.
“Students describe tradition, folklore
of celebrating the Chinese New
Year.”
Still Recognized Today cont…
“Imperial Guardian Lions”
• Today guardian lions
can be seen at
restaurants and seen
hanging from peoples’
houses.
• Also can be visible at
the site of the
Forbidden City and
the Forbidden
Gardens.
Work Cited
Braun, Chet. “No Lions in China.” WLE. 2003.
Wing Lam Enterprises. 4 January
2005.<http://www.wle.com/resources/
art 033.html>.
“Guardian Lion Pairs.” Buddha Museum.
ArtRampage Design. 4 January 2005.
<http://www.buddha museum.com/castiron-guardian-lion.html>.
Hales, Stephen. “Rex in the Classroom 2005.”
handout. 2005.
Work Cited cont…
Hathaway, Jessica. “Students describe tradition,
folklore of celebrating the Chinese New
Year.” Vanderbilt. 4 January 2005.
<http://www.vanderbilt.edu/News/register/Jan
29_01/story10.html>.
“Imperial Guardian Lions.” Wikipedia.
November 2004. 4 January 2005.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_g
uardian_lions>.
Work Cited cont…
Long, Loa. “Chinese Stone Lions.” News finder.
August 2004. 4 January
2005.<http://www.newsfinder.org/comm
ents.php?id=120_0_1_0_M>.