Guardian Lions (1977/2007)

Location: Chinatown Gate

     

The Guardian Lions (獅), otherwise known as the "Foo Dogs" in the West, are an important symbol in Chinese history and culture. Located at the Chinatown Gate (牌坊／牌樓), these marble lions are a bicentennial gift from Boston's sister city, Taipei. In addition, they represent the Chinese community that live and congregate in the area as well.

Guardian lions are interesting; they only come in pairs, and they are always placed together. With the female guarding a cub on the left and the male guarding a ball on the right, they are the manifestation of yin and yang. They are believed to ward off evil, negative energy and protect the community around them -- hence their names. 

Although I've never believed in superstitions, I still find these lions to be quite important. For one, they are a large part of my childhood so they hold quite a bit of sentimental value for me. I remember my parents taking me to Chinatown every couple of days, and as they shopped for groceries, I'd run around finding guardian lions all over the city. I didn't realize they were art then, nor did I appreciate them a single bit. I climbed all over them, tainting the clean marble with my small, dirty footprints. However, I do truly appreciate them now. Guardian lions are lovely pieces of art with lots of culture and history embedded within them, which is why I enjoy them as much as I do.