Dear Frank, Stephen, Rett, Charlie and friends,
thanks for the interesting discussion. I have always been wondering
of the origin of the Chinese's Lion Dance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_dance
I think the well-travelled ones may have encountered lions (hopefully
in captivity) in their journeys. Besides the Lion Dance, you may also
find a pair of stone lions sitting at the entrance of (large) Chinese
residences, temples, gardens or even government offices.
http://www.adagiomarine.com/year2001/images_xmas_hobart/F00016.html
I think the concept of lion being the king of all animals probably
can be traced back to Indian origins, and permeates all of Asia. Even
the name of Singapore means Lion City, in Malay it is Singapura, in
Pali it would be Siihapura!
metta,
Yong Peng.
--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, rett wrote:
"Asiatic lion
It is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion, which has been
confined to this forest, since 1884 ( about 239 lions were reported
in 1985 ).The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African
cousin, nevertheless, a large male lion of the Gir is quite a sight
to behold"
http://www.cultureholidays.com/wildlife/gir-national-park-and-
sanctuary.htm