Tibet - Snow Lion

The Snow Lion – or ‘Gangs Seng Ge’ in Tibetan, is a powerful celestial animal that resides in the eastern Himalayas. Protector of Buddha, it personifies fearlessness and a cheerful mind. For more than a century it has remained the national emblem of Tibet.

The Snow Lion is a common theme in proverbs and folk songs dating back to the 3rd century AD. Monks as well as lay people perform Snow Lion dances, often at festivals, to drive away evil spirits and to celebrate the balance between the spiritual and temporal realms. This king of beasts is also depicted to represent Yogis and Hermits living high in the mountains.

Although Snow Lions do not fly, their paws never touch the ground. The lioness has the extra ability to produce magical milk from her paws. It can heal the body and restore harmony. Holy medicinal remedies containing its essence are still prescribed.

As well as being protector to Buddha, the Snow Lion is one of the Four Dignities of Shambhala – the ancient Hindu mythological kingdom. They are; Tiger, Garuda (a humanoid bird-like creature), Dragon and the SnowLion who represents joy and discipline. Together they symbolize the four principals of confidence that a ruler must develop in order to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life.

These 120+ year old Tibetan pendants are believed to carry the power and attributes of the creature and have become a symbol of freedom.

The snow lion is originally a mythological, Buddhist good luck symbol. It has been the official symbol for Tibet since 1909. This article is a short, illustrated wrap-up about the Tibetan snow lion and shows a video of a snow lion dance performed by Tibetan monks in exile.

The Snow Lion - Mythological Symbol of Tibet

The snow lion stands for fearlessness and a cheerful mind. It is not an animal that exists in real nature, although some people see the resemblance with the Tibetan Mastiff or Apso dogs.

Since 1909 the snow lion has been part of the Tibetan flag in various designs. Since the popular uprising of the Tibetans in 1959 against the Chinese Communist occupants, the flag has been forbidden within China. Now it has become a strong symbol among exile Tibetans and for the whole world for Tibetan identity and freedom.

Until 1959 the snow lion was also shown on other symbols of Tibetan independence - on bank notes, stamps, coins and official documents.

The Snow Lion in Tibetan Arts and Crafts

The symbol of the snow lion as a fortunate symbol can be found on all kinds of Tibetan arts and crafts. Primarily in sculpture and as a decoration in architecture of course. But you will find the cute being also on thangka paintings or on furniture. And last but not least, snow lions are a favorite design element for traditional Tibetan rugs. The snow lion is usually shown in white with a mane in green.

Source

https://www.artelino.eu/en/articles/tibetan-mythology/179-tibet-snow-lion.html