Why is there lions in front of Chinese reastaurants?

Answer 1

Chinese guardian lions, also known as 'stone lions' are a common decorative element to Chinese buildings.

Traditionally they were thought to have powerful mystic protective powers, and were placed in pairs in front only the elite buildings. These buildings included Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, government official homes, and the homes of the wealthy. The lions were always placed with the male on the left and the female on the right. The male has it's right paw on a ball and the female it's left playing with a cub. Symbolically the female lion protects those dwelling inside while the male guards the structure.

The lions are traditionally carved from decorative stone, such as marble and granite or cast in bronze or iron, because of the high cost of these materials the lions were reserved for wealthy and elite families only.

However, in modern times less expensive lions, mass produced in concrete and resin, have become available and their use therefore no longer restricted to the elite. Pairs of guardian lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures.