在我国名胜古迹中的古建筑或传统民居的屋檐翘首、门环上,常见有各种石刻、铜铸、砖雕、泥塑、彩绘的怪兽,造型古怪有趣。其实,这些怪兽源自古老神话传说,都有特定的寓意。古建筑最常见的怪兽是麒麟,其形似鹿,头上多为一只角,也有两只角或三只角,牛尾、鱼鳞,传说它不踩任何活物,是美德的象征,与龙、凤、鱼合为“四灵”,因此,历代帝王、达官贵人喜欢把它塑在宫殿、庙宇、民宅上,以示清明吉祥。 There are various types of stone carving, bronze casting, brick carving, clay sculpture, and painted monsters in the ancient buildings or traditional houses of ancient Chinese architecture or traditional houses. The shapes are quirky and interesting. In fact, these monsters originate from ancient myths and legends, and all have specific meanings. The most common monster in ancient architecture is the unicorn. Its shape resembles a deer. Its head has more than one horn. It also has two horns or three horns, an oxtail and scales. It is said that it does not step on any living things. It is a symbol of virtue, and dragons, The phoenix and the fish were combined as “four spirits”. Therefore, the emperors and Daguan nobles liked to mold it on palaces, temples, and houses to show their auspiciousness.