The Chinese Force Dogs to Pray (6 photos)

Did you know there's a dog god in China? And it's not just dog owners who should honor him, but the dogs themselves. So, owners take their dogs to the mountain to worship.





Notice how purebred these dogs are.

The dog god's name is Diting, and in all of China, there's only one pagoda dedicated to dogs in his honor. It's located in Anhui Province on Mount Jiuhua. That's why Chinese people come here from all over, along with their dogs, to receive blessings for protection and good luck for their pets. Place food in front of the statue of the dog god, and place your dog's leash in the incense ashes before the statue (bring a little goodness with you, that is. According to superstition, this provides protection so the dog doesn't slip off the leash and get lost).



These are the pillows for worshipers... of dogs?

Legend has it that the Bodhisattva of the Earth's Treasure, who protects souls and controls disasters, raised a white dog to accompany him on his spiritual journey. The dog also attained enlightenment (on this very Mount Jiuhua). Thus, she became the divine Diting, a mythical creature with the head of a tiger, a horn, dog ears, the body of a dragon, and the tail of a lion. He is revered as a symbol of loyalty and wisdom. According to Chinese legend, Diting is able to distinguish good from evil thanks to his keen hearing and understanding of the human heart.

Paid Worship of the Dog God





Mural on the Temple Wall

Since there is only one pagoda for the protection of dogs, and many Chinese, access to the divine being is subject to a fee. More precisely, entrance to the pagoda area is 70 yuan. Pets are allowed. Problem dogs are usually brought there, for example, those who are frequently sick or break things. This is to end their streak of bad luck. To strengthen the deity's favor, owners walk around the pagoda three times. And then they force the dogs to fold their paws in a prayer pose. Which is strange, because that's not a normal position for a dog... The entire square is strewn with offerings of dog food and all sorts of treats, but the dogs aren't allowed to take them. It's like stealing a gift from God!



This is the strangest thing for me.

And those whose dogs have escaped bring photos of them to ask Diting to find them. Nearby teahouses sell protective amulets for dogs (of course!) for 99 yuan each. And there are special seats for dogs on local public transportation.



Dating by a Japanese sculptor

China is currently experiencing a pet boom. Many people are giving up on family and children, yearning for a soulmate. They find it in cats and dogs. And with a very Chinese twist, because beautiful, pedigree cats are prized here, like dolls. The same trend for multi-legged cats has become absolutely rabid in China. In our country, it's common to love ugly or cute three-legged cats. In China, this happens, but much less often; perfection is paramount. Although, in a country with a surge in plastic surgery and a critical attitude toward appearance, this is to be expected.



A couple of years ago, Multipu was in every other Chinese manhua.