Okinawa’s Shisa Lions

The native peoples of Okinawa are called Ryukyuans. Their mythology includes a creature that looks like a cross between a lion and a dog and is called a Shisa, or Shisa-lion, depending on who you ask.

Just like Chinese fu-dogs, Okinawan Shisa-lions are usually found in pairs, a female and a male. The male Shisa is open-mouthed to attract good luck and cast off evil spirits. The female Shisa has a closed mouth to keep good luck and protect from evil spirits.

There’s a lot more to the Shisa-lion myth, but this is the basic info that I gleaned today in Naha, Okinawa.

The first 9 pics I have here are all Shisa-lions I saw in Naha. The next 2 are Chinese Fu dogs. The male has a ball under his paw to represent man’s dominion over the world, while the female holds a baby Fu dog to symbolize women’s dominion over matters of home and family.

As for the cat, Okinawa is where karate was created. I’m pretty sure this kitty has a black belt.Read more