Meanings of Japanese tattoos. Tora tiger, Sanbonashi-no-kaeru, Kintaro, Lion-guardian

Tattoo of a lion-stranger
People relate to tattoos in different ways. Some make them to adorn their bodies, while others put a deeper meaning into them, trying to express their inner state, feelings, emotions, or to perpetuate a memorable event (wedding, birth of a child). The Japanese take tattoos very seriously, and if they do decide to get a tattoo, they choose the image that will be applied to the body very carefully.

Purpose and shape

As a talisman, Fu dogs are used to protect the home from negative and hostile emotions and also to bring a positive atmosphere in the home. The Fu dogs always act in pairs. The male dog represents the male yang energy and the female dog the female yin energy. They can protect a dwelling and its inhabitants both inside the house and outside, at the main entrance. If they are called to protect a working office, they can reflect negative influences on the conduct of business. For example, prevent bankruptcy.

Foo dog
Foo dog.

Externally, Foo dogs are very similar to lions. Not without reason, they are also called lions of Buddha. Their protruding ears attest to the fact that they are dogs.

Both dogs are always depicted standing on three paws. The male has his right front paw covered by a ball. It is believed that this is not just a ball, but an allegory of the entire globe. It symbolizes paternal control over external circumstances and the ability to prevent anything bad from happening. The female mother covers her cub with her left paw, showing her desire to protect the inhabitants of the house and create a favorable environment in it.

The size and material from which Foo dogs are made matter. If they are installed outside for external protection of the house, it is better to make them large in concrete, stone or metal. Let the appearance be menacing or even intimidating. Indoor dogs should be smaller and more good-natured in appearance. Make them better of pleasant materials - glass, porcelain or ceramics.

Popular designs.

Those who still decided to do the Buddhist tattoo, the masters provide a wide range of sketches of varying size and complexity. In most cases, the central position in the tattoo will occupy the image of Buddha, or one of his incarnations.

The most popular among Europeans (not counting images of Buddha) are Hotei, elephant, lotus and wheel of Dharma. Most often these are full-color tattoos of large size. Although recently there has been a tendency toward more modest monochrome versions and laconic depictions of objects.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the depiction of mantras. The most popular is the short mantra Om. Although there are variants of applying longer texts, the choice of which will depend solely on the preferences of the bearer.

History of origin

Opinion of the expert

Dmitry Melnik

Master of Feng Shui

Dogs Fu as a talisman of protection appeared in Ancient China in the III century BC. Together with the religion of Buddhism came and protective talismans in the form of lions. But the king of beasts is an uncharacteristic animal for China. Gradually its image transformed into a more familiar dog. A lion is an animal that has a curly mane and a dog that has pricked up its ears.

The Chinese dog Fu initially guarded only the emperor, his palace and his family. There were six pairs of these animals in the imperial palace. It was forbidden for anyone else to have images of them and use them as protectors. The Fu dogs gradually weakened and appeared in the homes of the emperor's retainers and noble dignitaries. They not only guarded the peace of the nobles, but also demonstrated the owners' belonging to the elite.

Today, everyone can buy these protectors. But they still symbolize a hint of elevated status of their owners.

Buddha celestial lions
Fu dogs - heavenly lions of Buddha

Meaning of the Tiger Tora tattoo

Tora (Tiger) is one of the most common subjects in Japanese tattoo art. It is important to note that local masters usually depict these majestic animals as realistically as possible.

Tiger Tora Tattoo

Most of the sketches are perfectly laid out on the back, and you yourself have probably seen pictures with similar tattoos more than once. It is only necessary to pay attention to what exactly will be surrounded by the beast, and in what form it is depicted, for example, peaceful or, conversely, angry.

Tiger Tora tattoo

The tiger symbolizes energy, talent and the ability to move forward, no matter what. In many ways, this was one of the factors that the tattoo has become so widespread not only in Japan, but also around the world.

Where and how to place?

  1. If Foo figures are installed outside the house, they should be at the entrance, on either side of it. They may look outward, reflecting negative energy from the house, or be facing each other, guarding the entrance and controlling visitors. A person entering the house should see a female to his left and a male to his right.
  2. If the entrance is located on the southern side of the structure, then according to feng shui, it is recommended to install there dog figures made of metal.
  3. Animals inside the house have their eyes fixed on the entrances to the outside world - a door or a window. If the owners leave the house for a long time, it is useful to install figurines of dogs at the door itself, so that they reliably protect the entrance to it.
  4. It is better not to let threatening-looking dogs inside the house, let them show their vigilance outside. There should be outwardly good-natured defenders in the house. The main thing is that the figures must like the owners. And for unwanted visitors, they will still be formidable opponents.
  5. Dogs placed in the family zone will guard and maintain peace and order in it. In the wealth zone, they will guard the wealth of the homeowners.

Lion tattoo for girls

Many believe that the image of lions on the body is suitable only for men. However, famous tattoo-masters say that often this animal choose for themselves the power and relaxed girls. Although, more often the animal is depicted as calm, regal, rather than aggressive and snarling, as in the case of male tattoos.

Experts say that the image of a lion on a woman's body has a slightly different meaning than the same tattoo on a man's body. Thus, the lioness represents the nurse, motherhood and dedication to the family. Very often, young mothers depict lioness tattoos with their lion cubs, symbolizing unbridled love for their child.

It should be noted that the trend of depicting a lioness as a goddess of the hearth originates from Egyptian mythology. It was there that the double energy was born, because the animal can be immeasurably aggressive to any abuser, but at the same time affectionate and gentle to its children.

Masters say that those who choose to tattoo the image of a lion on their bodies should do it not only for beauty. Such a picture is able to make a person more confident, instilling in him a part of the wild temper.

What can't you do with Foo dogs?

Foo dogs are an inseparable pair. One dog is unable to provide protection, only the two of them. If one of the figures is lost or damaged, you must buy a new pair. Attempts to replace the old doggie with another will not lead to anything good.

Do not place Foo doggies in bedrooms or places intended for rest. Two strong energies in the same area will interfere with each other.

You can confuse Fu dogs with similar talismans, for example, with the mythical creature Pi Yao. One must remember that they can never be with wings, horns or covered with scales.

It is believed that a pair of Fu will protect their owners no worse than live dogs. Such a protective talisman is also an unusual decoration of the home.

Historical background on the origin of the name

Traditional sculptural sculptures of Chinese lions are called Buddha's heavenly lions (Guardian Lion, ?, shi, shi) . But according to Feng Shui, they also have a second name: Fu Dogs. (Fu Dog, Foo Dog).

There is an opinion that when Buddhism came from India to China, the Buddha was called Fu and his guard lions were called the Heavenly Lions of the Buddha or Foo Dogs, but then Fu was replaced by Fu and the lions by the dogscolves and thus the abbreviated name Foo Dogs appeared.

There is an opinion that the name Fu Dogs came from the name of a group of dogs, which includes Pekingese, Pug, Chow Chow and some others, but it is debatable. Most likely the opposite happened - a group of dogs began to be called Foo Dogs after the ancient Foo Dogs - guards and protectors.

Other talismans for favorable feng shui

Just as any thought changes a person, so does any object and its location affect the energy of the house. Of course, when talking about the arrangement of the home, we are all limited by its area, financial capacity, etc.

But one way or another, following the basic rules of feng shui can change your life and bring tranquility and family happiness to your home.

Anyone can try out the rules that we are going to talk about and see how effective they are.

What are feng shui talismans and how do they work on a person's life.

The energy of Qi

Qi is one of the key concepts borrowed by feng shui from the ancient sages. This energy is believed to permeate all of our lives.

We aim to circulate it correctly and freely inside our homes, or to create an influx of energy to the right areas.

The main rules for releasing chi energy are as follows:

  • Clear the house of unnecessary things. Important items that you did not need during the last year are also useless,
  • Carefully clean the house, expel accumulated negative energy. To do this, go around the house with smoking sticks.
  • Using a compass, determine on which side of the world are the parts of the house and divide it into zones. Feng Shui distinguishes between the following zones:

What this talisman means

Foo dog symbolizes good luck, prosperity, happiness. The statuette protects against negative energy , it is placed at home, on the street, in the car, in the workplace. It is recommended to use a pair - a male and female, that represents the feminine and masculine beginning.

The male holds his paw to the ball. In ancient China, it was a simple ball, today it is associated with the planet Earth. Talisman represents the supreme guardian, the father who controls the external circumstances, guarding the earth from evil forces. The figurine is responsible for luck in business, power.

The female acts as a symbol of femininity, she is depicted with a cub. Statuette is responsible for the protection of the house, family, children and childbearing, home comfort and hearth.

In tandem, Fu dogs complement each other, protect the outside and inside world, acting as one unit. If suddenly one of the figures is damaged, it is necessary to replace both figurines.

How to activate a talisman of a dog

Bringing a protective talisman into the house, clean it with water and salt. To activate the Fu dogs, place the figurines in the center of the table, place 12 candles around them. While the candles are burning, an invisible orb will cover the house like a protective cylinder.

According to feng shui, the dog is activated by words such as: "I am under the protection of the Universe, my finances are safe and sound, I always make profitable purchases, my spending always pays off."

After that, you need to put the talisman in one of the areas.

Source: pofenshuyu.com

Gourd Pumpkin

This is a non-permanent talisman, its constant presence in the house is not necessary. The pumpkin is used if someone in the house becomes ill - it should be hung or placed next to the headboard of the sick person. The same effect the talisman can have in case of frequent quarrels and problems in relations between family members.

When the talisman's help is no longer necessary, it is necessary to "wash off" the negative energy that it has absorbed, and put it away until the next time.

The talisman should not be touched for at least three days. Make such a talisman, of course, with your own hands, from a dried gourd. But a figurine of wood can also be suitable.

Source: gadalkindom.ru

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