In Taiwan, southern Fujian and Guangdong, the ceramic talismans, with an image of a single beast or a beast with an offi cer drawing a bow on its back, are commonly placed on the rooftops of traditional residences of the Han people in order to ward off the evil spirits. From Qing Dynasty to the present, the names of the talismans have varied considerably according to their forms and place of origin. The most notable names are Hong-Sai, Wind God, Chiyou, Huang Feihu, Roof Tile General, Zhao Gongming, Shen Gongbao, Li Guang and Stone Lion. With the analysis of the documents and the materials collected during the field studies in Taiwan, this study is aimed to trace the origins and the development of the talismans, to identify the differences between the image description and the appearance of the talismans, and to explore the hidden history and the meanings behind the various names of the talismans as well as the cultural context.

Hong-Sai, talisman, lion, tiger, Roof Tile General