Chinese

The Chinese Zodiac

  The Chinese Zodiac is the better-known form of animal imagery in the Chinese context. Closely tied with the Chinese calendar and astrology, the zodiac is based off the symbolic significance attached to each of the individual 12 animals in the cycle (namely the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig).

  There are variated stories on how this order came to be, how the legend of the zodiac race remains a significant tale in Chinese cultural story telling. In terms of symbolism, it is believed that people’s characteristics, personalities, and fortunes are very closely tied to virtues of their “birth animal” (known in chinese as “Sheng Xiao" / "生肖”). Chinese superstition and geomancy also play a part by offering advice and guidance for prosperity and fortune based off each animal’s sign. The manner of which these animals and their images are used in the Chinese Zodiac hinges largely on the symbolism that each carries with it, and shows how symbolic visual imagery can take up deep roots in cultures.

Imperial Dragon

  Chinese imperial history also reveals how images of animals/creatures had been adopted to symbolic effect The most deeply rooted form of animal symbolism found in ancient Chinese culture is the use of the dragon’s image. The mythical creature is believed by the Chinese to be of heavenly decent, associated with celestial and divine qualities. The image of a dragon itself commands adoration, worship, and also fear amongst the Chinese people.

  Not surprisingly, ancient Chinese Imperial rulers adopted the commanding image of the dragon into their own, using it as a mean of perpetuating and maintaining their authoritative power. Chinese emperors often wore garment featuring vividly crafted images of the creature in the designs of their “Dragon robes”, and also on their thrones, which were known as “Dragon seats”. The image of the dragon being embodied in Palace artworks/status was also common. The symbolism of what the image of the dragon stood for, therefore, was very much incorporated into early Chinese culture and rule.

Chinese Stone Lion

  The lion is another symbolic animal favoured by the Chinese. The most iconic form of their symbolism is the use of “Chinese Guardian Lion” stone figures. Such statues, crafted in the image of ferocious lions, were commonly used in pre-modern China to symbolise authority and vigilance amongst other virtues. They were commonly placed outside institutes of power, such as the Chinese Imperial Palace (now known as the Forbidden City), and also used around traditional Chinese graves/cemeteries, as they were believed to offer spiritual protection and safe guard of those under their watch. The use of the Chinese stone lion image is not limited to only China, and can be found to be present in Chinese cultures around the world.

References:

Wu, Shelly. Chinese astrology: Exploring the Eastern zodiac. Career Press, 2005.

Lattimore, Deborah Nourse. The dragon's robe. Harper & Row, 1990.

Hung, Wu. The Wu Liang Shrine: The Ideology of Early Chinese Pictorial Art. Stanford University Press, 1989.

"The Almighty Dragon". www1.chinaculture.org