HELLO! It is How Unique Japan again! Nice to meet you, everyone! This time, I will ask you about the animal Lion. So, when you imagine it, what ideas would come first? Big far around the necks, the huge paw with sharp crows, or the deadly fangs? If you do, please keep these ideas for later.
So, today, I would like to talk about that. However, it is the twisted and artificial version of the reputation of the lions in Asian countries. It is called Shishi. It means Lion in the Kanji capital, 獅子.
Please take a look at the picture above. That is the Shishi, the Lions.
Looking is different isn’t it? However, the big difference is that he works for the lucky fortune of any visitors in shrines or temples by dancing. It is a godly animal. He does it in celebrate seasons. For example, in the festivals or New Year ceremonies. (Such a dance is called the Shishi-mai / dance).
He does not pray just for fortune but also a healthy life. In detail, it is Praying for good health and a long life with BITE.
While it is dancing, the Shishi would intend to bite our heads. If we got bitten, we would keep good health during the new year, and if some of us were children, they would be clever.
The history
Why do they work like that? And why is his appearance different from the real one (real lion)? They are concerned with the reputation of ancient times.
The original one came from China a long time ago. The historical theory says it probably came in 752 AC with the religion of Buddhism.
At that time, Japan had a big ceremony for the Todaiji temple opening. It was the time the Japanese emperor invited the Chinese Buddhist monks. So, the emperor imported some Chinese cultures, religions, models of rules for the country, and the Shishi altogether. However, it did not have the role of praying for human goody yet. It was just for entertainment/show for high-ranked people.
The reason of its unique form
So then, why did some Chinese believe the lion’s appearance like that? It is simple. Do you remember I asked you what you imagined about the lion? It is it! They imagined the lion from a rumor without correct observation because lions do not live in China. Strong fangs, crows, and a threatening face with big eyes, nose, and jaw. Oh, and Big far around its neck.
But the most shocking rumor for the Chinese was that he was a strong animal, like a King. It is why they created the lion as a godly animal.
In conclusion, it is interesting that the Shishi were originally Chinese imaginary creatures like the Kraken or Minotaur in old times, but still work for us in Japan. Japan used to absorb some cultures from there, even some European countries (I felt relief that there was no copyright in ancient times, lol).
Thanks for reading this article! I couldn’t say that enough! If you are interested in some more uniqueness of Japan, please visit the front page of this blog!
See you soon for next article! Be safe everyone!