Hey there! Have you ever looked at pictures of the Forbidden City and noticed tiny creatures perched on the rooftops? 🧐
These aren’t ordinary decorations—they’re mythical beasts with amazing stories!
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the top of its grand palaces, especially the Hall of Supreme Harmony, you’ll find lines of small statues along the roof ridges.
These statues are called roof beasts or imperial roof decorations, and they play a special role. Each beast has its own meaning. Some of them ward off evil spirits, while others bring good luck or call for rain to help the harvest.
For example:
- The dragon 🐉 represents power and strength.
- The phoenix 🦚 symbolizes grace and beauty.
- The lion 🦁 stands for courage and protection.
- The immortal man rides a phoenix and leads the procession!
These creatures are not just for show. They were believed to protect the buildings and the emperor inside. It’s like having your own team of superheroes on the roof! 🦸♂️🦸♀️
So next time you see a picture of the Forbidden City’s rooftops, remember to look for these amazing creatures. They hold centuries of stories and beliefs, guarding the heart of the Chinese mainland’s history.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
