Saturday, May 15, 2010

Half (This week's Photo Hunt theme)



"Good things come in pairs," my father likes to say. I'm not quite sure why he likes that saying so much or where he got that idea from -- but the sentiment seem to echo that of the Chinese custom (dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907)) of putting up images of a pair of door gods on twin doors or the sides of entrances of homes and businesses as well as temples or clan ancestral halls.

To get an idea of what the door gods look like, here's offering up images of the pair that can be found at the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall that is the architectural jewel of Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail up in the northern New Territories of Hong Kong. And in accordance with this week's Photo Hunt, here's doing so in the form of one half of the imposing pair each per photograph! ;b

32 comments:

jmb said...

They are imposing figures and no doubt good protection.

Happy weekend YTSL.

gengen said...

Good choice for the theme and interesting. Happy hunting.

Carver said...

They are very imposing and perfect for the theme. Happy weekend.

magiceye said...

impressive!

ewaffle said...

A lot of impressive weaponry and fantastic animals--both the door gods have fierce looking reptile type beings that seem to be holding thier shoes on. The second (lower) of the two gods has ehat looks like a saw with a curved dagger at one end--not one of the "Legendary Weapons of China" but still a scary looking piece. And is that a stylized fox that fastens his axe blade to the shaft? That little guy is really intriguing.

Lovely images as always.

julie said...

They sure look big and ready to fight off intruders :)

MaR said...

Such a special take on the theme and wonderful images.

I took my pic thinking of this week's theme :)

Enjoy your weekend.
Half...

Unknown said...

they're perfect as door gods. excellent take on the theme.

YTSL said...

Hi jmb --

I must admit that I'm not one to personally have those door gods guarding my door -- still, I do find them pretty photogenic! :)

Hi gengen --

Thanks and happy hunting to you too. :)

Hi Carver --

Thanks -- and happy weekend to you too! :)

Hi Magiceye --

Glad you think so! :)

Hi ewaffle --

Not sure about reptiles holding their shoes... and the weapon you think is a saw with a curved dagger I see as a bow inside of its holder. As for the stylized fox: hmmm, looks more like a dragon to me, actually! :D

Hi Julie --

That I agree that they do! :)

Hi Mar --

Am glad you like what you saw here -- especially since, unlike you and your submission, I didn't take them especially for this week's Photo Hunt theme! ;)

Hi Luna Miranda --

Thanks! :)

LifeRamblings said...

they sure look mighty and great protection against evil spirits.

Gattina said...

They look very impressive and not very inviting, even as a half !

ipanema said...

nice choice!

jams o donnell said...

Wow they are impressive! I would not want to tangle with either

Susan Demeter said...

Definitely formidable looking characters! Great pics for the theme. Thank you for visiting my blog and happy photo hunting!

Jama said...

Impressive looking pictures!

bing said...

interesting. and it is always interesting how photo hunters prepare for each saturday's theme. creativity abounds.

Diana said...

My first thought was that they'd be perfect to watch over my apartment while I was away. But then again I'd probably be too intimidated to ask them to check my mail and water my plants :)

Great application of the theme.

Annie said...

I love your photos and also the whole concept of door gods. It's really fun this week to see all the very unique takes on this theme! Happy weekend.

ancient one said...

Very good idea for this week's theme... thanks for coming to see mine!

Marta said...

They do look like good protectors. I think I like the idea of using these instead of Rowan branches to protect a house from spirits.

Anonymous said...

You find the neatest things to post on photo hunt.

YTSL said...

Hi Life Ramblings --

Well, definitely wouldn't have liked to have encountered the human versions of these door gods! ;b

Hi Gattina --

Think of them in terms of their protecting you, not warding you off!!! :D

Hi ipanema --

Thanks!

Hi jams --

I'm in agreement with you -- those weapons as well as that armor and general look... ;b

Hi Sue --

And thanks for the return visit. :)

Hi Jama --

Glad you think so -- thanks! :)

Hi bing --

This week's Photo Hunt variety has indeed been very impressive. :)

Hi Diana --

Teeheehee at your comments. Maybe you could go to Chinatown before you leave for Hong Kong and get yourself a pair of door gods to put on your door! :D

Hi Annie --

Glad you like what you see here and on other Photo Hunter blogs this week. :)

Hi ancient one --

Thanks -- and you're welcome! :)

Hi Marta --

Hadn't heard about the rowan branches idea before... Maybe you could blog about that some time? ;b

Hi ewok1993 --

Thanks for thinking so! :)

A. @ A Changing Life said...

They look very pleasantly fierce, your half and halfs. :)

gorgeous nelly said...

Nice post for this week.

Happy Weekend. My half entry is posted.

Unknown said...

That's very interesting. Thanks for sharing the info along with the pictures.

http://blondesherry.blogspot.com/2010/05/photo-hunt-half.html

Nukke said...

Your door gods look as scary as my Orks !!!! :)
You better look in Google Orks and you'll see what they are :)

Pat said...

Always love your posts - they are always very informative. :-)

Happy Weekend.

YTSL said...

Hi A. --

Pleasantly fierce... hmmmm... that sounds somewhat oxymoronic and yet I'd agree with you that that description fits! ;D

Hi Gorgeous Nelly --

Thanks -- and happy weekend to you too. :)

Hi Sherry --

You're welcome -- and thanks for reading as well as looking. :)

Hi Nukke --

Re the Orks: yeah, I should have Googled before and now have! ;)

Hi Pat --

Thanks for those complimentary words about my posts! :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I think when there are two - not just one - the image seems much stronger. This is great!

YTSL said...

Hi EG Wow --

Agreed re two being better than one there! :)

mariposa said...

Impressive!

I'm a bit late, but here is my entry -

Mariposa's PhotoHunt

YTSL said...

Hi Mariposa --

Hmmm, yes... for this entry, you were on the late side visiting! But better late than never, I guess!