Chinese Lion Tattoos
Chinese lion is a guardian lion, a sculpture made from marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron. It is traditionally placed in front of burial vaults, government residences, administrative and religious buildings in the imperial China, Japan and Central Asia and Shintoistic sanctuaries.
Imperial lions were also used privately, but only wealthy or elite families could afford such a guard before their houses, as material – stones and metal – was very expensive. In modern times substantially cheaper lions are produced, they are available for wide audience. And, well, there is a great number of people who want to place their lion closer than their front door, and namely to sacrifice some part of their body to it!
Chinese lion tattoos belong to animal tattoos and stand for vigilant watchfulness and courage. They also have a meaning of power for in China the lion was one of the animal symbols of this notion. It has a double meaning, carrying solar and lunar symbolism at the same time, the embodiment of Good and the embodiment of Evil.
As a solar one, the lion symbolizes heat, shine and strength of the midday sun as well as fire, splendor, force and firmness, justice, law and military might. The Lion is the King of animals, you know. On the contrary, the lion may stand for cruelty, fierceness, savage instinct, a war. The lunar concept of the Lion, and namely the Lioness, translates in her being in the escort of the Great Mother, or driving her chariot. So in general this animal stands for dualism in nature.
In China the lion symbolizes energy and strength, or a married man, or a powerful sovereign, as well as a guard of the Tree of Life, Law and Might. So Chinese lion tattoos promise to be attractive not only because they look great but also because of their rich symbolism.
Chinese Lion Tattoos is a post from: Tattoo designs and ideas by Tattooique
