Haechi, the defender of the city
By Ana Santiso.
Watercolor on paper.
12,5 cm x 13 cm.
Registration: a2ea8c252f54f20e2883c3bc69d49eda589107174440293edb58b4d0a4cca465
Token ID: 17437578254476482138
Creature
해태, often spelled Haitai or Haechi, is a legendary animal of ancient Korean mythology (also appears in Chinese mythology) whose figure could be confused at first sight with a lion, but which is actually a dog with a lion’s head from which hangs a rattle, with wings, flaked and able to eat fire. That is why it is believed that Haechi protects from fires, disasters and represents justice, integrity and good fortune.
These sculptures were used in traditional Korean architecture especially at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty, as they believed that their image was able to protect Hanyang (now Seoul) from natural disasters and maintain law and order in the population.
Culture
The Heachi makes its appearance in Korea at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). The new regime promoted the diffusion of Confucianism, in opposition to the majority Buddhism of the country during the Goryeo dynasty.
The ideas of Confucius penetrated all areas of the life of the Korean people, determining a rigid social structure and a religious worship to the power of the State. The search for stability and order are expressed in the cultural creations of the time, also in the cause of this mythological creature.
People mostly peasant and artisan, the ruling class, Yangban, was formed by aristocrats who dominated the administration and the army.
At present, the Korean people are divided into two States, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). In the first, a communist system prevails and the population continues to be mainly rural, while the south is governed by a capitalist, highly urbanized and technological system.
Current population: 76.472.973
