Jangseung
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2017) |
Jangseung | |
Korean name | |
---|---|
Hangul | 장승 |
Hanja | 長栍 |
Revised Romanization | Jangseung |
McCune–Reischauer | Changsŭng |
Alternate names: Beopsu (법수), Beoksu (벅수) |
A jangseung (Korean: 장승) or village guardian is a Korean totem pole usually made of wood. Jangseungs were traditionally placed at the edges of villages to mark village boundaries and frighten away demons. They were also worshipped as village tutelary deities.
In the southern regions of
In the Jeolla region, jangseungs are often made of stone bearing some resemblance to the
In
Jangseungs are usually adorned with inscriptions describing the personae of the carved figures along the front of the poles. "Male" jangseungs usually bear inscriptions in
Place
Depending on the location or affiliation, jangseung can be divided into village guardian, temple guardian, and public guardian.
The village guardian is the god of dongje, and has the functions of village guardian, mural, expelling the harmful ghosts, fire prevention, and gathering happiness for the village.
The temple guardian post has the function of protecting the temple from the invisible evil spirits. The temple guardian is the boundary mark of the temple.
The public guardian is a milestone and a street god to protect the safety of the gate, barracks, and roads and sea roads.[1]
See also
- Dol hareubang
- Korean shamanism
- Pole worship
- Religion in Korea
- Seonangdang
References
External links
- Jangseung (Totem Poles) - An Object of Worship
- "Totem poles: Endangered folk icons from the past" from Korea Now.