Foo Dogs in Feng Shui, also known as Fu Dogs, are not your typical dogs. In fact, they are lions! These mythical lion sculptures are believed to ward off evil spirits and energies, offering protection to the place they guard.
Placing Foo Dogs is a symbolic Feng Shui practice. By placing them on either side of a front entrance, they create a sense of safety and protection. These majestic creatures play a crucial role in Step 6 of the Nine Steps to Feng Shui® System, which focuses on controlling the language of your home and the energy it emits.
They’re Not Called Lions in China
It's fascinating to know that Foo Dogs have been prevalent in ancient Chinese architecture despite lions not being native to China. In ancient Chinese beliefs, lions were considered mythical creatures, much like dragons or phoenixes. The arrival of actual lions in China came much later, as gifts presented to emperors. In the Chinese language, these lion statues are simply referred to as lions, protection lions, or guardian lions.
The English names "Foo Dogs" or "Fu Dogs" are associated with these symbolic creatures in Feng Shui.
Foo Dogs Come from Buddhism
Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions were commonly found in Buddhist temples in China. Originating from India, where Asiatic lions, also known as Indian Lions or Persian Lions, are native, statues of protective lions were a common sight in ancient Indian architecture. The style of these Indian statues shares similarities with the Foo Dogs found in Chinese architecture. However, the Chinese Guardian Lions or Foo Dogs place less emphasis on the mane, focusing more on the fierce facial expressions.
Foo Dogs in Feng Shui - Symbolism and Description
Foo Dogs are not mere lion replicas; they symbolize mythical protection beings. These sculptures exaggerate the fierceness by emphasizing the eyes, claws, and teeth. They are usually displayed in pairs, with one male and one female. Both male and female lions possess a majestic mane. The male lion represents Yang, which symbolizes active power, while the female lion represents Yin, representing yielding power.
The male statue typically holds a ball under its right paw, sometimes engraved with special symbols like the "flower of life." On the other hand, the female statue has a lion cub under her left paw. It's essential to ensure that the correct placement of the ball and cub when purchasing Foo Dogs, as some statues may have them under the wrong paw.
How to Use Foo Dogs in Feng Shui - Ideal Locations and Sizes
Placing Foo Dogs on the outside of a building is customary in Feng Shui. They are often positioned on either side of a driveway, path, or staircase entrance, or adjacent to the front door. Following Feng Shui principles, the male lion should be placed on the right side, while the female lion goes on the left side when viewed from across the street. The cub is always positioned in the center, between the two statues, symbolizing protection.
It's crucial to consider the size of the Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions in relation to the entrance. The statues should be proportionate to the size of the door; they should not exceed the midpoint between the bottom and the top of the door. For homes, the statues should be at least as tall as your knees.
Foo Dogs in Feng Shui - Figurines for Indoor Use
Foo Dog figurines can also be incorporated inside your home. Placing small figurines at both ends of your entry table, especially if it faces the front door, is a common practice. In a business setting, you can position these figurines on both sides of your cash register, facing customers.
Apart from their traditional use, Foo Dog figurines can also be utilized for healing the Inner Child. To delve deeper into these uses and explore more Feng Shui insights, you can access the extended version of this article on the Room by Room membership site. Make sure to log in with your email and password or join the membership for full access.
Speculations on the Origin of the Term "Foo Dogs" in English
It's interesting to speculate on how Guardian Lions came to be known as "Foo Dogs" in the English language. One theory suggests that they might have been mistaken for a large canine breed originally from Tibet. Asiatic lions, known for their smaller manes compared to African lions, could be confused with Tibetan Mastiffs, large dogs with manes around their heads. There have been tales of people attempting to pass off Tibetan Mastiffs as lions, even in modern times. However, a more likely explanation is that a Western observer simply couldn't identify the creature as a lion and assumed it must be a dog!
The Tibetan Mastiff Dog in ancient Chinese art.
A Contemporary Alternative to Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions
While Foo Dogs are a popular choice for protection and energy flow, they may not suit everyone's style preferences or be readily available in suitable sizes. However, every home requires protectors on its sides.
If Foo Dogs don't resonate with your home's aesthetic, a modern alternative is using large planters. Placing one planter on each side of the front door symbolizes protection. Consider incorporating the color red in the planter or opting for plants with red flowers, as red represents love and heavenly protection associated with fire. The color red is frequently used as a Feng Shui cure.
Find out more about using planters or explore other symbolic cures for invoking heavenly protection by accessing the extended version of this article on the Room by Room members-only site. The extended article also provides insights on situations where there might be limited space for a planter on one or both sides of the front door. If you're already a member, you can access the article here. If you haven't joined yet, you can join here for full access.
Enhance the energy flow and protection around your living space with the mystical presence of Foo Dogs in Feng Shui. Whether you choose traditional sculptures or explore contemporary alternatives, these symbolic guardians offer more than just visual appeal – they contribute to a harmonious and balanced environment.
