Hudian

Author: Sun Zhanli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The tiger belongs to the class Mammalia, the order Carnivora, and the family Felidae in the animal classification. It is a powerful and large carnivorous animal, often regarded as the king of beasts. In ancient times, humans were very humble. Through long-term labor practices, they discovered the strength and ferocity of animals and developed a sense of awe. They believed that both humans and animals had souls, especially those animals with special abilities, which inspired great admiration. By worshipping animals, they hoped to better connect with divine spirits, wisdom, courage, strength, health, and charm, thereby demonstrating their own power and eternity. This idea is clearly reflected in China's Yinshan rock paintings, mythological legends, Shan Hai Jing, as well as Europe's cave paintings and the ancient Roman religious reverence for tigers. Shan Hai Jing (Volume 3 of the Western Circuit) records: "The god Luwu of Kunlun, with a tiger's body, nine tails, and a human face." During the Roman Empire, descriptions of tigers primarily focused on their beauty and terrifying ferocity. In 11 BC, the Romans first saw a tiger during the dedication ceremony of the Marsellaen Church. The word "tiger" originates from the Tigris River, named by the Romans after the turbulent waters of the Tigris in Mesopotamia. Our ancestors coexisted with tigers on the Chinese continent for 2,500 centuries. Approximately five centuries ago, when the Chinese nation developed culture, tiger culture also emerged. People believed that "the tiger is a yang creature, the leader of all beasts, capable of overcoming obstacles, crushing sharp objects, and devouring ghosts and demons." Beyond hoping for tigers to protect homes, guard graves, and ward off evil spirits and disasters, there was also a strong desire for blessings and happiness. Thus, warding off evil and bestowing blessings became the full connotation of the tiger's image in folk culture. The Earth's biosphere is a strictly formed ecosystem that has evolved over a long period. Within it, countless lives engage in complex cycles of material and energy exchange, interdependent and interconnected—where one part is affected, the whole is impacted. Any imbalance in one part can lead to catastrophic consequences. Many mysteries remain unknown to us, and humans are merely a part of this system, yet also one of the most destructive and protective elements. To be brief, this book aims to explore a unique path, meticulously crafting a world of tigers, with the hope that all those interested in the mysteries of tigers and tiger culture can broaden their horizons, open their minds, respect and treat all life on Earth with kindness, genuinely love animals, and consciously protect the ecological environment they depend on. Through reflection and exploration, we can move forward.