What do a foo dog tattoo mean?
Guardian lions, also known as komainu, shishi, or foo dogs, are intimidating, mythical, lion-like creatures seen across a breath of art forms, ranging from architecture to tattoos. As they symbolize prosperity, success, and guardianship, they’re full of meaning—which has made them popular in Western art too.
Is Foo Dog Chinese or Japanese?
Foo dogs are actually lions. They originated in China, shi, meaning lion or shishi or stone lion. Yet they resemble the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu which led them to be called foo dogs (or fu dogs) in English. Foo dogs were originally displayed outdoors.
What is the significance of foo dogs?
Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself. 4. Each detail of the foo dog is symbolic.
Are foo dogs lucky?
In China, you can find fu dogs famously located in the Forbidden City. These mythical animals symbolize good luck, safety, and protection for the inhabitants of the spaces they defend.
What does a Foo Dog tattoo look like?
Foo Dog tattoos are versatile, and it is up to you and your tattoo artist to choose how your piece is designed. Some opt for a more serious black and grey look, which is usually more representative of the stone guardian lions seen in front of many buildings in Asia. Others may choose bright colors and a design with movement.
What kind of dog is a foo dog?
There are typically two foo dogs, one on each post. But here’s a fun fact for you: in reality, they also represent a variety of breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Chow Chow, Pug, French Bulldog and others. People get these types of tattoos in order protect themselves, but there’s so much more to it than that.
Why do people get foo dogs on their skin?
Foo dogs are a mythological Asian creature designed to protect people from harm. It is for this very reason that many people decide to get them inked onto their skin. A foo dog is actually a lion, and they may look scary and menacing – which is why guys are more likely to have them tattooed than girls.
What does the Foo Dog mean in Buddhism?
Foo dogs represent prosperity and success and are known to be thought of as courageous and fearless. Their main role in Buddhist religion was to watch over and guard the religious temple. If you’ve ever been to a temple, you’ve seen their statues guarding the entryways. There are typically two foo dogs, one on each post.