 | ||
Hu Jiang Jun (Chinese: 虎將君; pinyin: Hǔjiàngjūn; lit. "general tiger") is a popular deity of Chinese mythology. Many Chinese temples have an altar for him, either a private altar or accompanying other deities. His altar is placed just above the floor, accompanied by Tu Di Gong or below the altar of Fu De Zheng Shen. In some shrines there will be one or more effigies of white or yellow tigers, in some cases the tiger is depicted either an actual tiger or is half-human. The white tiger god is called Bai Hu Jiang Jun (Hokkien=Pek Hou Ciang Kun) or "White general tiger".
Contents
His other titles include Hu Jiang Gong (虎將公; "Lord general tiger"), Hu Ye (虎爺; lit. "Grandpa tiger"), or Di Hu (地虎; lit. "Earth tiger"). His Taoist title is Xia Tan Jiang Jun (Chinese: 下壇將軍; Hokkien: Ha Thua Jiong Kun; lit. "General of the lower altar"). In Anping City, the altar for Hu Jiang Jun is placed high above the floor because the city is often flooded thus is called Tian Hu (天虎, lit. "Sky/heaven tiger").
Chinese culture and Taoism regard the tiger as the king of the mountain or jungle and is often the animal mount of choice for some deities. His fierce nature is considered a symbol of authority and bravery. Kids worship him in hope to grow strong and brave.
Posture of the statue
According to Taoism, the posture of Hu Jiang Jun's statues have different meanings.
Relation with another deities
Hu Jiang Jun usually have a relation and is displayed alongside another deities such as below.
Worship
Hu Jiang Jun is often worshipped to beseech spiritual protection, more than often he is called upon to subjugate evil demons. Offerings of raw meat are common offering items to place before his effigy.