El Cid Gallery

Animal meanings in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, various animals have different symbolic meanings, most of which are used to describe qualities.
Knowing the symbolic meaning of an animal will lead to understanding the hidden message of the artwork.

Frog- Frogs and toads are significant in Chinese culture as symbols of immortality, healing, money, the moon and frivolity.
As a totem the frog is believed to be a symbol of protection for children and it brings pleasant dreams.
Frogs are believed to be a symbol of good luck.

Turtle - The tortoise is a symbol of longevity, with a potential lifespan of ten thousand years.
Turtle is considered as a symbol of wisdom, endurance, wealth and long life.
Due to its longevity, a symbol of a turtle was often used during burials.
A burial mound might be shaped like a turtle, and even called a "grave turtle." Tortoise shells were used for witchcraft and future forecasting.
There are innumerable tales on the longevity of the tortoises and their ability to transform into other forms.

Elephants- In Chinese art, the elephant is a symbol of wisdom and strength.
Elephant is also considered as a sacred animal in Buddhist traditions.
Buddha is often depicted riding an elephant.
These magnificent creatures are also regarded as auspicious figures in Thailand.

The word for elephant in Chinese is written and pronounced the same as the Chinese word for “sign” or “things to come” therefore people like to pairing elephants with certain symbols to create a kind of pun.
People also use a stone elephant to emphasize the concept of power or strength while an elephant with a vase is interpreted as a sign of peaceful times.
In Chinese, the words for “vase” and “peace” have close pronunciations.
Elephants carrying vases on their backs were featured in parades to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday during the Qing dynasty.

Lions-
Chinese guardian lions or Imperial guardian lion, traditionally known in Chinese simply as Shi , and often called "Foo Dogs" in the West, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China.
The lion is considered to be a brave and intelligent animal and thus symbolizes power and majesty.
The Chinese word for lion has the same pronunciation and can be a visual pun or rebus for "teacher", "master", "tutor" or "preceptor".
In Buddhism, the lion acts as a guardian of the faith and a symbol of royal power.
The lion can also represent the Buddha who, among his repeated births, was born 10 times as a lion.
Statues of guardian lions have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy.
Lions believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits. 

Horses- The horse is one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac and symbolizes speed, power and perseverance.
The horse is usually depicted as the bearer of good things.
The horse sign is equated with Gemini. Horse symbolizes energy in Buddhist religion.
This strong animal also played a crucial role in the dominance and development of the Chinese Empire.

Monkeys - The Monkey is the ninth of the twelve-year animal cycle in the "Chinese zodiac". The Year of the Monkey is associated with ninth Earthly Branch symbol.

Reflecting the similar likenesses among humans, monkeys are used in reference to people.

Monkeys are amazing primates swinging our way with messages of intelligence, intensity, and involvement

Symbolic monkey meaning is often deals with animated entertainment, and monkeys are depicted as mischievous figures in myth, legend and lore. In reality, this is true when we observe their behavior.