What makes the stone lion a gatekeeper?

Although the lion is not among the traditional "Zodiac" in China, it has always been regarded as a mascot by China people, appearing in front of many temples, Taoist temples, banking institutions and garden graves.

In fact, lions are not native to China, but to Central Asia and Africa. Lions in China were introduced from ancient Central Asian countries. They came to the Central Plains in the pre-Qin period and became "China Lions".

With the introduction of Buddhism, the lion, as a protective beast, has greatly improved its position in the eyes of Chinese people. The stone lions that were originally buried as animals in the tomb of the town, or the stone lions that stood on both sides of Shinto in front of the Mausoleum, were also placed in front of the Yangzhai to protect Feng Shui.

Generally speaking, stone lions are placed at doorways or used in buildings for four main reasons:

First, exorcism, Najib:

The ancients believed in the theory of geomantic omen and used "Rui beast" as an exorcism in town houses. Therefore, it was first used to guard the mausoleum. The folk stone lions set up at rural intersections have the same function as the "Shi Gandang", and are also designed to ward off evil spirits, suppress evil spirits and keep peace.

Second, forecast the flood:

In folklore, it is said that lions carved on stones have the function of predicting disasters. When encountering natural disasters such as floods or land subsidence, the eyes of stone lions will turn red, which is a warning to people to take refuge in an emergency.

Third, highlight the strong:

In ancient times, stone lions were often used as gatekeepers of palaces, palaces, offices and luxury houses, which showed the power and dignity of their owners. But these stone lions are still graded. The lion in front of Yipin's official residence has 13 pimples on its head, and is called "Thirteen Pacific Insurance". Every time a product is reduced, there will be one less pimple on the lion's head.

Fourth, artistic decoration:

Stone lions are also indispensable decorations for ancient buildings, and Lugou Bridge in Beijing is famous for its stone lions. However, the stone lions guarding the gate are well placed. They are all male and female, with the male lion stepping on the hydrangea and the female lion pressing the young lion, and they are "left male and right female" (subject to the direction of people entering and leaving the gate), which conforms to the traditional philosophy of Yin and Yang in China.