Lion (Shishi)

Foo Lion Tattoo by Marco

Meaning: Protective, Strength, Courage, Good Luck, Heroism

This symbol is known by many names; Foo Lion, Foo Dog (though it doesn’t represent a dog at all), Komainu, Karajishi or just Jishi. They are said to be protective, strong and courageous. As statues they serve to keep evil out. As tattoos they serve as protectors or represent one who does and they often indicate a person with heroic asperations.

They should be combined with peonies. The Shishi is the king of the beasts and the peony the queen of flowers, this is called karashishi-botan. If they are depicted with open mouths they are scaring away demons or evil and if they have their mouth closed their are keeping good spirits within.

If they are male they should be depicted with their mouth open, horned and an embroidered ball under their paw. Females appear with closed mouths, no horn and a child under their paw. These two can be combined in an androgynous fashion.