Zhangjiajie Tujia People’s Tiger Totem
 2016-12-20 16:49:26   Zhangjiajie Tourism Information Website  

White Tiger Totem worship plays an important role in Tujia culture. For a better and more comprehensive understanding of Tujia folk history when traveling in Zhangjiajie, you are expected to acquire the knowledge of their worship of White Tiger.

Based on historical records, Tujia people’s ancestor had crowned as the tribe leader and named Lijun.He headed the tribe members overcame various difficulties and went through hardship. Finally they lived a happy and safe life and Lijun received strong worship in the tribe.When he died, his soul turned into a white tiger and flied to heaven. Since then, White tiger is consecrated into the worship and memory of Lijun by Tujia people.Gradually,the white tiger totem worship shaped.

Every Tujia shrine in Zhangjiajie has worshipped a wooden white tiger. When holding a marriage ceremony, bridegroom would place a carpet decorated with a tiger in the center of the hall to show their worship. It is almost common for you to see tiger-shaped or tiger-patterned articles in Tujia people’s daily life. Such as the swords, tiger shaped shoes, hats,and wooden tiger on the doors. In Tujia culture, the white tiger embodies the spirit of safety and happiness.

Translated by Aileen