Say door

Author: Qin Li, written by, Zhang Xichang, photography
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features:
Fragment: There are many legends about the origin of Shidandang. Some say it was established by the Yellow Emperor, while others believe it is the incarnation of Jiang Taigong. A widely circulated folk legend states that Shidandang was a brave general named Shi, from Taishan, Shandong. He was fearless, heroic, and valiant, earning the reputation of "Shi General at the Gate, Impassable to Ten Thousand Enemies." The stone is inscribed with the name of the Stone General, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, eliminate misfortune, and bring blessings. Early Ming scholar Tao Zongyi recorded in Nan Village's Plow Rest Record: "Today, if a family's main gate faces a street, alley, or bridge, they may place a small stone general or plant a small stone tablet inscribed with 'Shidandang' to ward off evil. According to the Quick Manual by Shi You of the Western Han Dynasty, 'Shidandang' is mentioned. Yan Shigu's annotation states: In Wei, there were Shi Du, Shi Mai, and Shi E, in Zheng, there was Shi Zhi, all of whom belonged to the Shi clan. In Zhou, there was Shi Su, and in Qi, there was Shi Zhi-fenru. Later, they were used as clan names. 'Ganding' means invincible in any direction."