Rui Shi

Auspicious lions of China, Lions of Buddha, Fu Lions, Fu dogs, guardians of dharma and the way.

These are curious types of dragons, smaller than the other oriental dragons, and animal-like in form rather than serpentine. Usually occurring in pairs, they were placed outside the entrances of palaces, temples and the like to serve as guardians. The female guards what is within, the male what is without. The female is placed on the left and usually has a cub with her, the male is placed on the right and holds the sphere- the 'flower of life'. The males mouth is always open, inhaling and representing life, sounding the sacred word 'om'. The females mouth is closed, representing death.

The male Rui Shi symbolizes power and strength tempered by intelligence, the ability to protect and lead, a signifier of royalty. At one time only the elite could own Rui Shi, as a symbol of both blessing and their obligation. In traditional Chinese culture, all wealth carries with it a proportionate amount of obligation- you must serve in order to balance your good fortune.

This Rui Shi is one of Grendel's birthday presents from Charles- he scouted them out at the auction and acquired a small collection to surprise the boy with. There are two sets of pairs, one with a cub, a standing one and this one- which is everyone's favorite.

What is extra curious is how they are appropriate for this birthday- this transitional year of 20 between child and adult, the year of letting go and coming into legal adulthood. I don't just mean the 'oh I'm 21, I can buy booze' type of adulthood, but the bridge between the dependent years to the independent years. Blessings and obligations.

It is also curious- to me- that these are what Charles found... yes, he is observant and knows that the boy loves his dragons, yes, odd things turn up at the auction all the time, and yes, Charles is one heck of a thoughtful guy. But what he didn't know is that a single male Rui shi is a traditional gift from an older man to a younger, signifying entrance into the duties and rewards of adulthood. (of course, it was traditionally only applied to wealthy young men of noble decent...) Still and all, it's very very magic in it's own way...