The depth of a lion's characteristics is nothing new, especially in the modern world. They are honored through art, myths, and statues. As most of the traits a lion possesses are highly admirable, you will find sculptures dedicated to lions almost anywhere you travel. However, it is necessary to acknowledge what lion statues symbolize and what the color and pose of the lion can mean. Lions are spiritual animals and contribute to the energy in a household. They are most sought after when purchasing decor.
Different Types of Lion Statues
Lion statues are also called gate guardians. They earn this title because of their unique placement outside the entrance to a household at both sides of the gate. You will need to purchase lion statues in pairs to guard your house properly against dark forces. The ability of lion sculptures to protect against negative energy earns them a permanent spot in South Asian temples. Several Lion statues in temples and other places of worship may be gold or brown in terms of color. This theme comes from a lion's natural skin and hair tone, always earthly and rich. The color also represents resourcefulness, durability, and strength. All qualities are unique to lions and their pride. A lion is remarkable at hunting and easily outlives other predators due to its fierce techniques.
Concrete and stone are the preferred materials to craft lion statues from in the modern world. This practice happens because of their resistance to water, mud, and other weather conditions. Strength is an integral part of a lion's nature. It is crucial to demonstrate it in any sculpture of a lion. Although stone or concrete is difficult to manipulate into a lion's anatomy, they make exquisite statues that uplift your household's decor and make it look twice as charming.
Stone lion statues are especially popular among Buddhist areas, where they represent peace and good fortune. Lion sculptures built from stone often show the animal in a reclined and graceful pose. The lion is usually resting on its paws with its face in a neutral expression. Although, lion statues in china are the opposite as they portray the animal in a deep roar with its claws and teeth bared. Of course, it is easy to understand why Chinese architecture differs from that of Ancient Buddhism. China aims to show lions in their prime and most fearless state. As lions symbolize courage, power, and will, they look best in a predatory position.
The Symbolism Behind Lion Statues in Religion
Lions hold a special status in religion as the symbols of courage, power, and dignity. Ancient Gods in Greece, Mesopotamia, and other civilizations often possessed the features of a lion. They could have a lion's head and paws but a human's body otherwise, which increased their supernatural strength. Members of these civilizations offered sacrifices of the highest degree to these Lion-Man deities and worshipped them. Other than this, actual lions also found a place in temples. Priests or other religious leaders kept them as pets and nurtured them as a symbol of prestige and status.
The legendary Egyptian Sphinx has a human body morphed with a lioness. The deity was known to protect all Pharaohs, which further enhances the belief of a lion's guardianship. Lions are fiercely protective of their families and will go to extreme lengths to keep their mates and cubs from harm. This characteristic is fascinating to humans who try to replicate and honor it through statues and myths. The family dynamic between a lion and its pride is studied thoroughly to gain a deeper view of how lions keep their ties strong and maintained.
The lion links together numerous religions due to these characteristics. For Jews, it represents forgiveness and promise. Of course, this idea is followed through into Christianity where the lion is the symbol of the Messiah and one that brings prosperity and good fortune. It is interesting to note that lions are the sole predators in many wildlife areas. Yet, they also have a sensitivity that makes them graceful and elegant animals. Therefore, lions are not always considered terrifying wild animals. They can also be endearing and loving towards their families. This feature attracts the interest of those around them.
Lions in Myths and Folklore
The warrior goddess of Ancient Egypt was a lioness. She was vicious and brutal, known to create the entire desert from just her breath. Due to this myth, lions earned their reputation as the savage and relentless predators who dominated the animal population. Indeed, lions are often left alone, and no other animal dares to attack them. Their strength and sturdy family ties are enough protection for them, and they hardly have any rivals.
There are similar deities among Hindus, who worship half-lion and half-human goddesses that reign over the universe, time, and creation. Hindus attribute more complex traits to lions, giving them the power to create and destroy. Much like the Jews, the Hindu goddess Kali grants redemption and forgives those who ask for mercy. Statues of these deities are often in households that are not religious. This practice implies that lions are massive symbols of supernatural and spiritual power, even if one does not connect with any myth or religion.
The lion symbolizes the sun, which means that the animal's energy can bring light into the household and deliver new opportunities. Lion statues destroy darkness and evil forces, purging your loved ones from negative thoughts and feelings. This attribute makes lions seem pure and refined and adds to their grace. It is favorable to strike up a kinship with lions and cats, as the animal could be of great use to you. As lions are complex animals and full of meaning, they are easily kept popular in today's world. Western and modern art features lions to a great extent. It shows them as wild and beautiful creatures bound to hold people's attention.