About the big round stone at the entrance of the courtyard

The big round stone at the entrance of the courtyard is called Mendang. "Mendang", also called "Baogu Stone" or "Stone Mirror", is a round stone, usually placed at both ends outside the door. Because the sound of drums is grand and majestic, as sharp as thunder, people believe that it can ward off evil spirits, so stone drums are widely used among the people to replace "mendang". In the past, dignitaries and wealthy businessmen lived in vast mansions. "

Mendang is a pair of flat stone piers or stone drums placed opposite each other at the entrance of a traditional Han building. Including drum-holding stones and general door pillow stones, in ancient times, the hierarchy of households of different levels was also very strict.

It is said that when ancient generals returned in honor, they often placed war drums in front of their doors to show off their military exploits. This later evolved. Baogu stone. In ancient times, only larger house gates were equipped with Baogu stones. The Baogu stone had the architectural function of fixing the gate tower, and was called "mendang", but it had more symbolic meaning, and its number determined it. It depends on the status and official rank of the owner of the house. In the old days, it was difficult to find out the wealth of wealthy families. Before their children got engaged, they usually secretly sent someone to the door of the other party's house to take a look and carve on it through the "mendang". By looking at the decorations, you can understand the business that the other person is engaged in.