Difference between revisions of "Foo Dogs"
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[[Foo Dogs]] are the {{Wiki|ancient}} [[sacred]] {{Wiki|dogs}} of {{Wiki|Asia}} who guard [[Buddhist]] [[temples]]. The association between these {{Wiki|dogs}} and [[Buddha]] is one of great significance. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} have the [[appearance]] of a [[lion]]. The [[lion]] in [[Buddhist]] [[religion]] is seen as [[sacred]], and has sometimes been [[offered]] to [[Buddha]] as a {{Wiki|sacrifice}}. The [[name]] given to these guardians originates from [[China]]. The {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[word]] for [[Buddha]] is Fo, which led to the original title– “{{Wiki|Dog}} of Fo”. There have been other theories that the [[name]] developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual [[proof]] of this. Another [[name]] given to the beast is “[[Lion]] of [[Korea]]”. This, of course, is due to the creatures close [[appearance]] to a [[Lion]]. | [[Foo Dogs]] are the {{Wiki|ancient}} [[sacred]] {{Wiki|dogs}} of {{Wiki|Asia}} who guard [[Buddhist]] [[temples]]. The association between these {{Wiki|dogs}} and [[Buddha]] is one of great significance. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} have the [[appearance]] of a [[lion]]. The [[lion]] in [[Buddhist]] [[religion]] is seen as [[sacred]], and has sometimes been [[offered]] to [[Buddha]] as a {{Wiki|sacrifice}}. The [[name]] given to these guardians originates from [[China]]. The {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[word]] for [[Buddha]] is Fo, which led to the original title– “{{Wiki|Dog}} of Fo”. There have been other theories that the [[name]] developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual [[proof]] of this. Another [[name]] given to the beast is “[[Lion]] of [[Korea]]”. This, of course, is due to the creatures close [[appearance]] to a [[Lion]]. | ||
Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} can be traced as early as the {{Wiki|Han Dynasty}}. Their first [[appearance]] was in {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[art]], which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} vanished for nearly 400 years after their first [[appearance]]. They later returned in the [[T’ang Dynasty]] that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} were popular because of their meaning. The [[Lion]] is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud [[master]] of all cats. Its introduction into {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[art]] coincided with [[Buddhism]]. The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} was the [[protector]] of [[sacred]] buildings and a defender of law. The {{Wiki|dogs}} were commonly placed at business {{Wiki|institutions}}, [[temple]] gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these [[sacred]] {{Wiki|dogs}} guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare [[evil spirits]]. Through out the ages, Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} were frequently given as gifts to the [[Emperor]]. They would be presented in sculptures or in the [[form]] of artwork. | Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} can be traced as early as the {{Wiki|Han Dynasty}}. Their first [[appearance]] was in {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[art]], which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} vanished for nearly 400 years after their first [[appearance]]. They later returned in the [[T’ang Dynasty]] that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} were popular because of their meaning. The [[Lion]] is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud [[master]] of all cats. Its introduction into {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[art]] coincided with [[Buddhism]]. The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} was the [[protector]] of [[sacred]] buildings and a defender of law. The {{Wiki|dogs}} were commonly placed at business {{Wiki|institutions}}, [[temple]] gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these [[sacred]] {{Wiki|dogs}} guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare [[evil spirits]]. Through out the ages, Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} were frequently given as gifts to the [[Emperor]]. They would be presented in sculptures or in the [[form]] of artwork. | ||
| − | Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} artwork varied. [[Buddha]] was sometimes depicted on the back of the great beast, but Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} are more often displayed in a powerful guarding position. The creature is usually presented holding a spear in its paw. This was the [[representation]] of the [[peace]] and [[serenity]] the [[animal]] would maintain for the [[sanctuary]] it was guarding; thus discouraging any wrong doers and {{Wiki|demon}} [[spirits]] from entering the place of [[tranquility]]. The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their [[eyes]] are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening [[appearance]] is what gives the [[idea]] that they guard against [[evil spirits]]. It is important to point out that the Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} is also known as the [[Celestial]] {{Wiki|Dog}}, and the [[Happiness]] {{Wiki|Dog}}. The [[animal]] is a [[symbol]] of [[energy]] and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The {{Wiki|male}} plays with a ball that [[symbolizes]] the [[Earth]], while the {{Wiki|female}} holds a cub. | + | Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} artwork varied. [[Buddha]] was sometimes depicted on the back of the great beast, but Foo {{Wiki|Dogs}} are more often displayed in a powerful guarding position. The creature is usually presented holding a {{Wiki|spear}} in its paw. This was the [[representation]] of the [[peace]] and [[serenity]] the [[animal]] would maintain for the [[sanctuary]] it was guarding; thus discouraging any wrong doers and {{Wiki|demon}} [[spirits]] from entering the place of [[tranquility]]. The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their [[eyes]] are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening [[appearance]] is what gives the [[idea]] that they guard against [[evil spirits]]. It is important to point out that the Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} is also known as the [[Celestial]] {{Wiki|Dog}}, and the [[Happiness]] {{Wiki|Dog}}. The [[animal]] is a [[symbol]] of [[energy]] and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The {{Wiki|male}} plays with a ball that [[symbolizes]] the [[Earth]], while the {{Wiki|female}} holds a cub. |
| − | The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} is [[embodied]] in rich {{Wiki|Chinese}} history and [[tradition]]. They are still very popular today, not only in [[China]], but also in other parts of the [[world]]. They are fantastic {{Wiki|dogs}} not only infused with artwork – but with meaning. | + | The Foo {{Wiki|Dog}} is [[embodied]] in rich {{Wiki|Chinese}} history and [[tradition]]. They are still very popular today, not only in [[China]], but also in other parts of the [[world]]. They are fantastic {{Wiki|dogs}} not only [[infused]] with artwork – but with meaning. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Revision as of 15:14, 2 December 2015
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Foo Dogs are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples. The association between these dogs and Buddha is one of great significance. Foo Dogs have the appearance of a lion. The lion in Buddhist religion is seen as sacred, and has sometimes been offered to Buddha as a sacrifice. The name given to these guardians originates from China. The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the original title– “Dog of Fo”. There have been other theories that the name developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual proof of this. Another name given to the beast is “Lion of Korea”. This, of course, is due to the creatures close appearance to a Lion.
Foo Dogs can be traced as early as the Han Dynasty. Their first appearance was in Chinese art, which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo Dogs vanished for nearly 400 years after their first appearance. They later returned in the T’ang Dynasty that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo Dogs were popular because of their meaning. The Lion is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud master of all cats. Its introduction into Chinese art coincided with Buddhism. The Foo Dog was the protector of sacred buildings and a defender of law. The dogs were commonly placed at business institutions, temple gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these sacred dogs guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. Through out the ages, Foo Dogs were frequently given as gifts to the Emperor. They would be presented in sculptures or in the form of artwork.
Foo Dog artwork varied. Buddha was sometimes depicted on the back of the great beast, but Foo Dogs are more often displayed in a powerful guarding position. The creature is usually presented holding a spear in its paw. This was the representation of the peace and serenity the animal would maintain for the sanctuary it was guarding; thus discouraging any wrong doers and demon spirits from entering the place of tranquility. The Foo Dog comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their eyes are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening appearance is what gives the idea that they guard against evil spirits. It is important to point out that the Foo Dog is also known as the Celestial Dog, and the Happiness Dog. The animal is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The male plays with a ball that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds a cub.
The Foo Dog is embodied in rich Chinese history and tradition. They are still very popular today, not only in China, but also in other parts of the world. They are fantastic dogs not only infused with artwork – but with meaning.
