If you school yourself on the topic, which all of you should by the way, you will find that in China, the Lion is a symbol of greatness. 2000 years ago, the people of China had never seen a Lion, only heard about them from travelers. Through these reports and through their own experience seeing wolves, they began to depict the lion in what became known as Fu Lions which is basically a creature with both dog and lion features. The Fu Lion became a symbol for pride, strength and prosperity and statues of Fu Lions could be found outside of palaces, temples and tombs. It became realized that they could create dogs that looked like lions as well, so became the Fu Dog, the first Pekingese also called "little lion dogs of Peking". Pekingese were owned only by the wealthy and royalty. It was very prestigious to live with a Pekingese, or lion dog.
So, when my student decided to trim my gorgeous coat into a lion clip I wasn't at all offended. For I understand that she only wanted to help me to remember my ancestors and to remind people of what Sensei is, a little lion dog of Peking who represents strength, pride and prosperity.
