Culture

Chiwen roof decoration: Monochrome Monday

This chiwen roof decoration is at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon.

These dragons, placed on both ends of roof ridgelines, are thought to protect the inhabitants from fires. Fengshui theory says they also protect against floods and typhoons. Chiwen translates to ‘hornless-dragon mouth.’ This dragon likes to swallow things, including evil influences.

Monochrome Monday

SoyBend

Centered in Bend, Oregon, my blog branches out into nature, history, and art-related topics.

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