Chinese guardian lions, known also as stone lions and often (incorrectly) called “Foo Dogs” in the West, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China. They are believed to have powerful mystic protective powers that has traditionally stood in front of Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, Buddhist temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy.  Pairs of guardian lions are common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance.  The lions are always created in pairs, with the male playing with a ball and the female with a cub.  It is auspicious to have pairs but four is an unlucky number much like our thirteen.

Lions are very much a part of my site seeing tours and I photograph all the different poses a lion can make.   My astrological sign is Leo, no wonder I am attracted to the lion.