Though only a legend, it reflected the goodwill of ancient people. In the times when the productivity was rather low, people had no scientific way to know of nature and diseases, and thus attributed these phenomena to the invisible and untouchable demons. They based the hope and desire of overcoming them on the ideal heroes and fierce animals.

There are other reasons why tigers became "King of Beasts". Firstly, they all have strong and vigorous bodies and are extremely powerful and valiant. Secondly, they have the elegant yellow fur with black stripes, and the three clear strips on the center of their forehead greatly resemble the Chinese character "王" (meaning "King" in Chinese).

The tiger images also appear in other aspects of social life. In the Neolithic times as early as 6,000 years ago, tiger patterns could be seen on pottery wares, stonewares and jade wares. In graves of the Yangshao Culture (also about 6,000 years ago) excavated in Central China's Henan province, objects with tiger and dragon patterns were placed on the right and left side of the dead among all the funerary articles, which shows the tiger's place in ancient people's hearts. Tiger images can also be found in rock paintings of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) excavated over the last decade or so. A closer look at these paintings will reveal the enormous difference in these tiger patterns; some are quiet and discreet while others are smart and lovely.

However, all the patterns were created through artistic exaggeration and transfiguration of the real tigers' appearance; this same method is also applied in the making of cloth tigers. Although due to the diverse customs of different ethnic groups and regions, the cloth tigers are infused with various local flavors, the making of these tigers invariably involve the techniques of exaggeration and transfiguration.

Although there is no way to know the earliest form of cloth tigers, it is believed that their appearance is closely related to some folk customs in some areas. Today, even with the great development of the industrial production, people stillfavor the man-made cloth tigers. Since there is no uniform pattern or style to follow, Chinese women are able to make cloth tigers of different shapes and designs as they wish. Made with a needle and thread, these cloth tigers not only embody the wisdom and dexterity of Chinese women, but also stand for the elder generation's high expectation of and good wishes for the younger one.

Author: Jessie