| The tiger symbol |
|
THE tiger is observed in many Chinese temples across Penang, represented in paintings, reliefs or stone carvings on their walls. View gallery below. In most cases, the tiger motifs sit across images of dragons. Both creatures are seen as symbols of strength and power in Chinese culture, where the “tiger is depicted as an earth symbol and equal rival of the dragon - the two representing matter and spirit, respectively.” (Wikipedia). Read here and here for more on their cultural significance in China as well as around the world. The written symbol for the tiger in Chinese “consists of the radical hŭ, which is the representation of the tiger stripes, while the form ér, man, below, implies that the beast rears up on its hind legs like a human being erect”. “The tiger is called by the Chinese the king of the wild beasts, and its real or imaginary qualities afford them matter for more metaphors than any other wild animal. It is taken as the emblem of magisterial dignity and sternness, as the model for courage and fierceness which should characterize a soldier, and its presence or roar is synonymous with danger and terror.” (Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the ages, pg 377) The tiger is also part of the “Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations, which are the Azure Dragon of the East, Vermillion Bird of the South, White Tiger of the West, (and) Black Tortoise of the North. Each one of them represents a direction and a season of the year, and each has its own individual characteristics and origins." (Wikipedia). Read here for more. Interestingly, the tiger is also the national animal of Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Malaysia, North and South Korea.
Click through pictures for slideshow.       Comments (0)
 Write comment
|
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
About us | Related Info | Copyright © Sympologic Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. |
 |