The Chinese Guardian Lions, also known as Fu Dogs or Foo Dogs, are mythical creatures that have been a symbol of protection and prosperity in Chinese culture for centuries. These lions are usually depicted in pairs, with one male and one female, and are often seen guarding the entrances of temples, imperial palaces, and other important buildings. The male lion is typically shown with a paw on a ball, representing power and control, while the female lion is depicted with a cub under her paw, symbolizing protection and nurturing. Together, they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those inside the building they guard. In addition to their protective role, Chinese Guardian Lions are also seen as symbols of wealth, status, and social harmony. They are often crafted out of stone, bronze, or clay, and are highly detailed with intricate designs and vibrant colors. Overall, the Chinese Guardian Lions are a powerful and meaningful symbol in Chinese culture, representing strength, protection, and prosperity for those who believe in their powers.
I just found out about your channel through this video. I love the editing, the respect you have for the culture ans folklore, and your speed. It’s very entertain to listen to!
I just subscribed & turned on the notifications; great video and content - keep up the great work and I look forward to learning more about the fascinating & beautiful mythology.
UM, EXCUSE ME!!!!!!! WHY DONT YOU GUYS HAVE AT LEAST A MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!!????!!!! This is amazing content!!!! I wish you guys all the luck and keep posting videos!!!!!!¡
Appreciate you, I launched the channel about a month ago, and growing a RUclips channel from zero is really hard! But sweet comments like this really keep me going! If you don't mind sharing my videos with your friends and people you think might enjoy this, it would mean the world to me! Thank you ❤️
Budget budget budget, I can make the visuals more amazing but I need the channel to be monetized first, I run some more RUclips channels that require a lot more work and time so the second I can hire an editor trust me the channel will be off the hook!
One of the things I loved the most when living in China was walking in front of these beautiful statues. They were all over the place. Some places had Qilin also (麒麟), maybe you already made a video about them?
WONDERFUL MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE I BELIEVE IS TRUE THIS WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL MAGICAL LEGENDARY LEGEND IS GOLD WHAT A MAJESTIC DIVINE POWERFUL LION🙏 GOD BLESS🙏
What I think, guard lions went to China from India via Buddhism, as well as influence from Southeast Asia which again was influenced by Hindu-Buddhist culture. Now Lions are found in India only in whole Asia. Lions represent pride and violence, as well as power. Thats why throne of kings was called "Singhasan" the lion seat, and thrones had images of lions. In art, deities as well as Buddha were shown sitting on lion throne as they have conquered thier own pride. They have achieved victory over violence and power. Eventually not just to throne, lions also being depicted as guards, along with other animals, like elephants, peacocks, parrots, etc. they all are depicted in pairs. Why these lions in China look so different from real lions? May be because many artists never might have even seen actual lions, just from other arts. Lions in India, Nepal and Southeast Asia, specially in sculptures had more idealistic features rather than realistic to depict more philosophical and poetic concepts. Another mythical creature, which is like hybrid of lion and elephant with wings called yali, were also depicted in many temples, on pillars and as watch guards.
Throughout Asian History Lions only reached Middle east, Central Asia and India and Not Nepal India was the last Borderline Nepal was Under Indian Empires and only came to Existence in 16-17 Century while the lion's in Other Asian Countries where they didn't native to were either introduced through Merchants or Cultural Influences I can imagine Lion was a whole New imaginary Animal for Southeast Asians and East Asians where Tigers were the Lord's while in India Both Lion's and Tigers fought for Centuries that's why Ancient Indians actually had a Real Depiction of Lions in Arts and other things look at our Emblem with Four Lion's which is actually 2300-2500 year's old even though Lion's and Tigers in India doesn't have any territories that overlap with eachother anymore but who knows. Lions and Tigers both on Rise in Numbers in India we might be able to see Rivalry between them again after few or so decades.
@@BHARATIYA_TIGER I think there was some talk of relocating lions in forests of Haryana where wild tiger population already exists. Both tigers and lions had shared habitat in Haryana until the extinction of Lions during British era
Just a theory but originally I believed that it was possible that an unknown member of the Borophaginae that was native to Asia had survived extinction perhaps and thats where the Fu Dog originated.
Pure curiosity. Did you find inspiration from mythology unleashed for the intro? 😂 If so, its a very nice example for how to take inspiration without outright copying, somewhat a showcase on how art breathes, in my opinion. Good work anyway, best wishes on your journey.
Nope, actually this is the first I've heard of that channel, and to be honest my goal with the channel is to make it some sort of chronological story you can follow, kinda like a journal you read of an adventure of someone going on safari to find the world's mythical beasts. Thank you for the kind words friend!
In Tamil, people call this a Yali. There are many types of Yali.. this is a Lion Yali.. the lion yali is so big that it makes the normal lion look like a pussy cat when compared in terms of size. These creatures live in Heaven where God's live.. Gods also are similarly bigger than normal Humans.. and for them one of our world year is a Day with summer as Daytime and winter as night time to sleep. They live 100 years like humans but with our 360 years as a year. And theh protect the Heaven from Demons.. so mostly kept in Temples for protecting Gods
Chinese: we need chow chow dogs to protect us! after drinking too much Chinese: we stewed the dogs! after being sober Chinese: now what? did we just cooked our guardians?
nope its not an AI voice, its my voice thats run through an AI software to make it sound clearer since I dont have a budget for a good mic at the moment!
I use AI to generate some pics here and there as it really helps me fill in the video. There isnt alot of content on these creatures, and thus I kinda have to use Ai to fill in the gaps!
Interesting, I heard the origins came somewhere from India, but anyway I will make sure to honor these creatures from South Asia as well my friend. Dandevad!
Actually, it came from China and spread to Nepal. Pagodas also did not come from Nepal. If you're going to claim Chinese pagodas because Araniko went to China and built a few, you should look at actual pictures of Araniko's projects. Araniko's buildings in China look like Nepalese white stupas, not the famous multi-story Chinese pagodas. Models of Multi-story Chinese pagodas have been found in Chinese tombs dating from the Han dynasty which was almost a thousand years before Araniko was born.
@@skraskraa._.5371 Lions are not even found in China Lol. It came there from India. Also the pagodas in Nepal, they are very common in whole Himalayan region, even in Himachal Pradesh and other India States. These buildings were also influenced from Malabar architecture from Kerala State, due to influence of Adi Shankaracharya. Many temples in Nepal resemble Keralite temples, which is region in extreme South of India, because of Adi Shankaracharya's influence and his streak of travelling whole India.
@@commentnahipadhaikar2339 I agree that lions don't come from China, but maybe the concept of guardian creatures is older than Indian influence. I'm not sure because sources disagree on the origin. What I am absolutely sure is that Chinese architecture and approach to building pagodas was invented and developed by the ancient Chinese, and they did not copy anyone else to achieve it. Chinese roofs may bear superficial resemblance to Nepalese and Keralite roofs, but they are structurally very different. We use dou gong, a system of complex, branching brackets to support the roof. There is no such feature in Nepalese and Indian architecture, showing that Chinese and Indic architecture have independent origins. Yes, the concept of a pagoda came from India. But the famous Chinese pagodas are built in our own style and people should stop trying to claim it.
I am Chinese. I wonder why you guys call Chinese lion guards "Fu Dog". Chinese call lion "Shi Zi/Shih Tzu”， which has nothing to do with dogs. As for fu dog, I heard that they are a subtype of Chow Chow. Many year ago, some small sized Chow Chow were smuggled into the US and called Fu Dogs.
@@MythosSafari If you refer to dog, I have no idea. You should ask Americans. I guess it is because the word "fu(means happiness, blessing)" is so famous in the US like Kong Fu that they use fu to call their dog breed.
I thought the chinese lion statues reference was inspired by Tibetan Mastif which both have maines and since china is a niegbhoring country next to mt tibet sort of.
The unique foo dogs they have specifically in Okinawa, called Shisa are really cool
Well cover it soon!
The Chinese Guardian Lions, also known as Fu Dogs or Foo Dogs, are mythical creatures that have been a symbol of protection and prosperity in Chinese culture for centuries. These lions are usually depicted in pairs, with one male and one female, and are often seen guarding the entrances of temples, imperial palaces, and other important buildings.
The male lion is typically shown with a paw on a ball, representing power and control, while the female lion is depicted with a cub under her paw, symbolizing protection and nurturing. Together, they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those inside the building they guard.
In addition to their protective role, Chinese Guardian Lions are also seen as symbols of wealth, status, and social harmony. They are often crafted out of stone, bronze, or clay, and are highly detailed with intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Overall, the Chinese Guardian Lions are a powerful and meaningful symbol in Chinese culture, representing strength, protection, and prosperity for those who believe in their powers.
I just found out about your channel through this video. I love the editing, the respect you have for the culture ans folklore, and your speed. It’s very entertain to listen to!
Welcome aboard! I'm happy you are here!
*Great video!*
Keep it 🆙
Thank you! Will do!
Outstanding video! I learned this when I went on vacation to Thailand. But! I loved your presentation.
Thank you friend! I'm so happy to hear that!
I think Chow Chows is more like a Fo dog than the Pekingese dog
Maybe you have a point there! Hahaha
I have a dog mixed with shar pei and when he's sitting he looks a lot like the pose on these statues
Tibetan mastiff
I just subscribed & turned on the notifications; great video and content - keep up the great work and I look forward to learning more about the fascinating & beautiful mythology.
Thanks friend and welcome to the safari!
They are SUCH beautiful and fierce creatures! They’re my second favorite mythical creatures underneath the Chinese dragon!
Chinese dragon is epic!
So educational and beautifully told
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
There are like 4 of these on salonika street in haifa
UM, EXCUSE ME!!!!!!! WHY DONT YOU GUYS HAVE AT LEAST A MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!!????!!!!
This is amazing content!!!! I wish you guys all the luck and keep posting videos!!!!!!¡
Appreciate you, I launched the channel about a month ago, and growing a RUclips channel from zero is really hard! But sweet comments like this really keep me going!
If you don't mind sharing my videos with your friends and people you think might enjoy this, it would mean the world to me! Thank you ❤️
@@MythosSafari of course!
lots of potential with this channel it would help if the visuals were more engaging kinda feels like a school slideshow presentation at the moment
Budget budget budget, I can make the visuals more amazing but I need the channel to be monetized first, I run some more RUclips channels that require a lot more work and time so the second I can hire an editor trust me the channel will be off the hook!
I'm a Leo the lion and I'm loyal to your channels!
Appreciate you!
Wow i can see this channel will grow huge! I am super surprised how few subscribers it has.
We just launched and would really appreciate any support you can give us;
They are the guardians of knowledge and the ball is the flower of life in 3 dimensions.
One of the things I loved the most when living in China was walking in front of these beautiful statues. They were all over the place.
Some places had Qilin also (麒麟), maybe you already made a video about them?
Very well done.
I love your thoughts on this. They adopted this in Okinawa as Shisa. I often wonder is it supposed to be a lion or a mythical dog type hybrid.🤷🏻♂️
It really is a hybrid of both
It is a lion-dog
are theses the same as the okinawa shisa? It’s for a project
WONDERFUL MYTHOLOGICAL
CREATURE I BELIEVE IS TRUE
THIS WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL MAGICAL LEGENDARY LEGEND IS GOLD
WHAT A MAJESTIC DIVINE POWERFUL LION🙏 GOD BLESS🙏
Amen
What I think, guard lions went to China from India via Buddhism, as well as influence from Southeast Asia which again was influenced by Hindu-Buddhist culture.
Now Lions are found in India only in whole Asia.
Lions represent pride and violence, as well as power. Thats why throne of kings was called "Singhasan" the lion seat, and thrones had images of lions.
In art, deities as well as Buddha were shown sitting on lion throne as they have conquered thier own pride. They have achieved victory over violence and power. Eventually not just to throne, lions also being depicted as guards, along with other animals, like elephants, peacocks, parrots, etc. they all are depicted in pairs.
Why these lions in China look so different from real lions? May be because many artists never might have even seen actual lions, just from other arts. Lions in India, Nepal and Southeast Asia, specially in sculptures had more idealistic features rather than realistic to depict more philosophical and poetic concepts. Another mythical creature, which is like hybrid of lion and elephant with wings called yali, were also depicted in many temples, on pillars and as watch guards.
Very very interesting thoughts my friend, I hope more people in the comments chime in
Throughout Asian History Lions only reached Middle east, Central Asia and India and Not Nepal India was the last Borderline Nepal was Under Indian Empires and only came to Existence in 16-17 Century while the lion's in Other Asian Countries where they didn't native to were either introduced through Merchants or Cultural Influences I can imagine Lion was a whole New imaginary Animal for Southeast Asians and East Asians where Tigers were the Lord's while in India Both Lion's and Tigers fought for Centuries that's why Ancient Indians actually had a Real Depiction of Lions in Arts and other things look at our Emblem with Four Lion's which is actually 2300-2500 year's old even though Lion's and Tigers in India doesn't have any territories that overlap with eachother anymore but who knows. Lions and Tigers both on Rise in Numbers in India we might be able to see Rivalry between them again after few or so decades.
@@BHARATIYA_TIGER I think there was some talk of relocating lions in forests of Haryana where wild tiger population already exists.
Both tigers and lions had shared habitat in Haryana until the extinction of Lions during British era
Grendel would be an interesting myth to check out.
Just a theory but originally I believed that it was possible that an unknown member of the Borophaginae that was native to Asia had survived extinction perhaps and thats where the Fu Dog originated.
Can you please tell me the name of this dragon
I reemmber having a green ornament of this mythical dog in my house
Pure curiosity.
Did you find inspiration from mythology unleashed for the intro? 😂
If so, its a very nice example for how to take inspiration without outright copying, somewhat a showcase on how art breathes, in my opinion.
Good work anyway, best wishes on your journey.
Nope, actually this is the first I've heard of that channel, and to be honest my goal with the channel is to make it some sort of chronological story you can follow, kinda like a journal you read of an adventure of someone going on safari to find the world's mythical beasts.
Thank you for the kind words friend!
Dog guardian sounds like Japanese folklore
My fav mythical creature even if they look scary lol
The Fuu Dog from American dragon
Literally wow! I would have never thought of this show again if you didn't bring it up now, I used to love that show as a kid!
If you watch lion dances if you notice their movements are more like that of a dog than a cat.
Forget mentioning an important figure making Lion Guardian popular. Bodhisattva Manjusri, all lions 🦁 reporting to him.
Its a chow, they both have manes big paws.
I read about it being a pekense
@MythosSafari I don't know about that, I'd rather have a chow than a lapdog guarding me even mysticaly
I have a mom and dad foo dog and a baby in my house and two to guard my front yard
Okinawa and other Asian Fu/Shisa featured in this video from here on Okinawa:
ruclips.net/video/yZ9GuJwxkYk/видео.html
In Tamil, people call this a Yali. There are many types of Yali.. this is a Lion Yali.. the lion yali is so big that it makes the normal lion look like a pussy cat when compared in terms of size. These creatures live in Heaven where God's live.. Gods also are similarly bigger than normal Humans.. and for them one of our world year is a Day with summer as Daytime and winter as night time to sleep. They live 100 years like humans but with our 360 years as a year.
And theh protect the Heaven from Demons.. so mostly kept in Temples for protecting Gods
Chinese: we need chow chow dogs to protect us!
after drinking too much
Chinese: we stewed the dogs!
after being sober
Chinese: now what? did we just cooked our guardians?
🤣
They really are the perfect dog.
...mankind is it's own worse enemy.
Is this an ai voice? I’m genuinely curious not trying to be negative
No.
nope its not an AI voice, its my voice thats run through an AI software to make it sound clearer since I dont have a budget for a good mic at the moment!
@@MythosSafari that’s genius dude thanks for answering me 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Your channel looks interesting but you have used AI pictures....I feel like that reduces the quality of your videos
I use AI to generate some pics here and there as it really helps me fill in the video. There isnt alot of content on these creatures, and thus I kinda have to use Ai to fill in the gaps!
It's just a Chinese gargoyle.
ya first of... its NOT Chinese! china got it from Nepal! just like pagoda... learn.
Interesting, I heard the origins came somewhere from India, but anyway I will make sure to honor these creatures from South Asia as well my friend.
Dandevad!
Nepal got that from India.. both countries belong to same civilisation. Nepal comes under Indosphere@@MythosSafari
Actually, it came from China and spread to Nepal. Pagodas also did not come from Nepal. If you're going to claim Chinese pagodas because Araniko went to China and built a few, you should look at actual pictures of Araniko's projects. Araniko's buildings in China look like Nepalese white stupas, not the famous multi-story Chinese pagodas. Models of Multi-story Chinese pagodas have been found in Chinese tombs dating from the Han dynasty which was almost a thousand years before Araniko was born.
@@skraskraa._.5371 Lions are not even found in China Lol.
It came there from India.
Also the pagodas in Nepal, they are very common in whole Himalayan region, even in Himachal Pradesh and other India States. These buildings were also influenced from Malabar architecture from Kerala State, due to influence of Adi Shankaracharya. Many temples in Nepal resemble Keralite temples, which is region in extreme South of India, because of Adi Shankaracharya's influence and his streak of travelling whole India.
@@commentnahipadhaikar2339 I agree that lions don't come from China, but maybe the concept of guardian creatures is older than Indian influence. I'm not sure because sources disagree on the origin.
What I am absolutely sure is that Chinese architecture and approach to building pagodas was invented and developed by the ancient Chinese, and they did not copy anyone else to achieve it. Chinese roofs may bear superficial resemblance to Nepalese and Keralite roofs, but they are structurally very different. We use dou gong, a system of complex, branching brackets to support the roof. There is no such feature in Nepalese and Indian architecture, showing that Chinese and Indic architecture have independent origins. Yes, the concept of a pagoda came from India. But the famous Chinese pagodas are built in our own style and people should stop trying to claim it.
I am Chinese. I wonder why you guys call Chinese lion guards "Fu Dog". Chinese call lion "Shi Zi/Shih Tzu”， which has nothing to do with dogs. As for fu dog, I heard that they are a subtype of Chow Chow. Many year ago, some small sized Chow Chow were smuggled into the US and called Fu Dogs.
Interesting how the name came to be!
@@MythosSafari If you refer to dog, I have no idea. You should ask Americans. I guess it is because the word "fu(means happiness, blessing)" is so famous in the US like Kong Fu that they use fu to call their dog breed.
I thought the chinese lion statues reference was inspired by Tibetan Mastif which both have maines and since china is a niegbhoring country next to mt tibet sort of.