台南廟宇中的老虎畫、雕刻和神像
Tiger Representations in Temples in Tainan
青龍、白虎、朱雀與玄武，在古代被奉為「四靈」，分別代表東西南北四個方向。為了符合風水的原理，建築該座北朝南，左右兩側則為東、西的方位，故逐漸發展出左青龍、右白虎的神廟裝飾，以及「入龍門，出虎口」的習俗。因為台南廟大多拜海神, 故大多都座東朝西(朝海方位)，但青龍在南牆(陽)，白虎在北牆(陰)仍然符合堪輿的原則。
《周易·乾》子曰:「同聲相應，同氣相求。水流濕，火就燥。雲從龍，風從虎。聖人作而萬物睹。」
孔子說: “同類聲音頻率相互感應，同類氣息相互求合，如水流往低濕之處，火接近乾燥之物，如龍吟雲出，虎嘯風生。故，有德行的聖人一出現，天下都必看到。”
龍為水物，雲為水氣，故龍吟雲出; 虎吼威猛，故虎嘯風生。這比喻有相同特質的東西會彼此吸引，相互回應。一樣，有美好內在或上等人格的人只要一站出來，萬物便能清楚地看到。
因此，在青龍白虎兩邊可能刻有 「龍吟-虎嘯」 或 「雨順-風調」的字樣。
In ancient times, the spirits of four fantastic creatures, the Green Dragon, the White Tiger, the Red Phoenix, and the Black Turtle, represented east, west, south, and north respectively. To accord with the principles of geomancy (fengshui), many buildings face south, and the left and right sides usually point toward the east and the west. Therefore, temple decorations of two of the fantastic creatures, the Green Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right, gradually developed and became common, as did the custom of "entering through the Dragon Door, and exiting through the Tiger Door". Of course, since many temples in Tainan are dedicated to sea gods, they point west. However, placing the Green Dragon on the south side and the White Tiger on the north side is still in line with the principles of geomancy.
In Chinese, this is also a play on words, since the "tiger's mouth" means a perilous situation, and the head of the tiger always points towards the outside of the temple, whereas the head of the dragon faces the temple interior. Thus, by entering through the dragon door to petition the temple gods, and then leaving through the mouth of the tiger, a person may escape from a undesirable predicament.
The Book of Changes (I-Ching) explains that clouds and rain are produced by the dragon, while wind is caused by the powerful roar of the tiger, and they both respond to each other and act in unison. For this reason, inscriptions above the two creatures may be:
The Tiger Roars in Response to the Dragon's Cry
or
The Wind (Tiger) and Rain (Dragon) come in their seasons and in just the right amounts (a petition for favorable weather conditions so that crops can grow abundantly and disasters will not occur) .
臺南祀典大天后宮
Tainan Grand Mazu Temple
三川門外的虎堵雕刻
Stone Tiger Wall relief carvings in the entrance before the main doors
虎子情深石材浮雕虎堵牆
The stone relief on the Tiger Wall expresses the close bond between parents and children
「虎嘯」字樣
"The Tiger Roars"
大天后宮裡面的兩尊虎將軍
Two General Tigers in the Grand Mazu Temple
這兩尊「下壇將軍」有獨立的地面神龕。較小尊造型獨特，為石材雕刻的，呈直立坐姿，前腳環抱小虎，露出雙排牙齒，身披黃底黑紋神衣，有項圈與金花簪為裝飾。另一尊呈下山姿，目視前方，身穿橘底黑紋神衣。
These two "Generals Beneath the Altar" have a separate shrine placed on the floor. The smaller statue is carved from stone and is unique in shape, sits upright and embraces a smaller tiger with its front feet. It exposes both rows of teeth, wears a divine robe with black stripes on a yellow background, and is decorated with a collar and Golden Flowers. The posture of the other tiger is as though descending a mountain, looks straight ahead, and wears a divine robe with black stripes against an orange background.
於2022年12月3日我驚訝地發覺主案桌上多了一尊虎爺，詢問廟方才得知是剛開過光的新神像，稱「下壇黑虎將軍」。增添新虎爺的目的是讓大天后宮有一尊可以繞境以及到其他廟宇作客的虎將軍神像。原本擺在神龕裡的兩尊均為無價古董，廟方故不放心讓祂們出廟門。因此大天后宮現在有三尊下壇虎將軍神像。新的虎爺的模樣相似於原本最古老石頭雕刻的那尊，呈坐姿又露出雙排牙齒。
On December 3, 2022, I was surprised to find that there was a new Lord Tiger on the main altar. After inquiring, I learned that it was a new statue that had just been consecrated, and is called "Black Tiger General Beneath the Altar". The purpose of adding a new Lord Tiger is to allow the Grand Mazu Temple to have a statue of General Tiger who can go around and visit other temples. The two original statues placed in their own shrine are priceless antiques, so the temple officials are reluctant to let them out of the temple. Therefore, there are now three statues of the Tiger General in the Grand Mazu Temple. The external appearance of the new Lord Tiger is quite similar to the oldest stone-carved one, which is a rare example of a Tiger General sitting up and showing both rows of teeth.
於2022年12月13日，新的「下壇黑虎將軍」自繞境回到大天后宮，現在安置在神龕裡與另外兩尊古董虎爺一起。
On December 13, 2022, the new "Black Tiger General Beneath the Altar" returned from visits to other temples and has been placed in the shrine together with the two antique Tiger Lords.
觀音殿伏虎羅漢壁畫
A painting in the Hall of the Goddess of Mercy shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
佛教中有伏虎羅漢。傳說中的羅漢居住的寺院附近常有猛虎出沒。老虎因飢餓而長嘯，使羅漢於心不忍，分自己的一些食物給老虎吃。這樣做好一段時日，猛虎被羅漢感化馴服，因此常陪侍羅漢身旁，成為隨駕使者。羅漢就這樣成為了伏虎羅漢。
In Buddhism, there is a story about an arhat (luohan) overcoming the might of a tiger. A tigers was often present near the monastery where the legendary arhat lived. The tiger roared because of hunger, which made arhat feel pity for it and resolve to share some of his own food with it. After doing this for a while, the tiger was tamed, and often accompanied the arhat and became his messenger.
虎爺的形式與功能
Types of Temple Tiger Gods and their Functions
虎爺可分為天虎、地虎兩種。
天虎供奉於神桌上 (或下案桌)，稱為虎爺公、天虎將軍。天虎神像不常見。天虎有獨立行動的能力與專屬的傳說事蹟。人們認為天虎是因為對神、皇帝或百姓有特殊貢獻而被提升到比地虎更高貴的地位。
Tiger gods can be separated into two basic types, Celestial Tigers and Earthly Tigers. Celestial tigers are usually placed within the main altar of another god (although they may also be positioned on a lower table near to a god). Celestial tigers are relatively rare. They are supposed to have the power to act on their own volition, and often have their own legends unconnected to other gods. Their rank is higher than that of Earthly tigers, and are often thought to have had their positions elevated due to some special service rendered to a god, a Chinese emperor, or the people.
天虎的不同稱號:
天虎將軍：最常見的稱號，傳說中神力最強的虎爺
山軍尊神: 據傳嘉義朴子配天宮的黃虎領有天旨，曾經救過永琰（即後來的清朝嘉慶帝），所以恩賜黃龍袍，封為｢山軍尊神」。在清朝時，朴子區有瘟疫流行，天虎爺忽然起乩，要求將自己的前肢剁下來（為土塑神像），配調泉井水給病患服用，說也奇怪，病患服用後，居然都痊癒了。
飛虎將軍：長翅膀的虎爺(應該稱為彪)，是具有飛翔能力的。
虎狀元：被信徒認為常救世濟民。據說虎爺為此受朝廷嘉獎封為虎狀元，因此有插金花簪的傳統。
地虎的不同稱號:
下壇將軍
黑虎將軍
地虎供奉於神桌下 (或下案桌上)，稱為下壇將軍、虎將軍或虎爺公。大多數廟裡的虎爺都屬於地虎系統。
Earthly Tigers are usually placed in niches under the main central altar or on a lower table before the main altar. They have names like General Beneath the Altar, Tiger General, Black Tiger General, or Tiger Lord.
兇猛的老虎只要被神明收服，就會成為其得力助手。虎爺屬於神明的坐騎，因此大多供奉於神桌之下，被視為神明腳力。
According to legends, ferocious tigers were tamed by various gods and then became helpers of those deities. Some gods ride on the backs of their tigers, enabling them to travel swiftly and surely about their business.
簡單來講，地虎基本的分別如下，但有不少例外:
「虎爺」有兩種基本形式，一種是黃體黑紋的「黃虎將軍」，另一種是黑體黃紋的「黑虎將軍」，文官廟較常有「黃虎將軍」，武官廟則往往配置「黑虎將軍」。
Earthly tigers are either orange/yellow with black stripes (Yellow Tiger Generals), or black with yellow stripes (Black Tiger Generals). Gods who deal mainly with civil and literary affairs are frequently accompanied by the former type, whereas martial deities are often associated with the latter kind.
黃虎爺：黃毛黑紋的虎爺，是土地公的坐騎，又尊稱為『虎爺公』。
黑虎爺：又尊稱為『下壇將軍』、『虎將軍』或『黑虎將軍』，通常是西王母、保生大帝、張天師、武財神趙玄壇、李鐵拐、西秦王爺、天上聖母、池府王爺、霞海城隍等神明的坐騎或前導開路先鋒。
虎爺有以下能力:
Temple tiger gods are believed to have the following powers:
一、守廟之神
虎爺具有凶猛威武之勢，能驅走各種妖邪
，故成為廟宇中的守護神。
1. Protect the temple from evil spirits.
二、身為前導、開路先鋒角色
虎爺具有驅逐癘疫、鎮邪除煞的能力，因此
在神明出巡的時候，都要請虎爺走在前頭開路。
2. The ability to act as a vanguard of the main temple deity and his or her entourage when they embark on processions outside in the streets. Tiger Generals clear the road of dangers and evil spirits.
三、孩童的保佑者
虎爺能保佑小孩平安長大，並使小孩子聰明伶俐。
3. Protect children from danger, and ensure they grow up safely and become intelligent and accomplished.
四、具有醫療能力
虎爺有跟隨保生大帝身邊，因此有人相信，虎爺同樣具有醫治疾病的能力，例如治療小孩的"豬頭皮"(腮腺炎)。
4. Since he accompanied Wu Tao (The Baosheng Emperor) in his work of healing the sick, the tiger is thought to have acquired healing powers of his own, especially to cure mumps in children.
五、能招財咬錢
在上古的四靈及陰陽五行的觀念裡，虎代表
西方，西方屬金，而金又代表財寶。所以在
民間信仰中虎爺也被視為能帶來財富。
5. The White Tiger symbolizes the West, the West is associated with metal/gold, and gold represents wealth. Thus, Lord Tiger is thought to possess the power to confer wealth upon sincere worshipers.
忠孝街媽祖樓的虎堵
Mazu Tower in Zhongxiao Street
虎堵牆為伏虎羅漢浮雕圖
The relief carving at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
正殿披上神衣的下壇將軍。黃體黑紋虎身呈蹲坐姿。
The Tiger General Beneath the Altar in the main hall. The tiger is yellowish gold with black stripes, and assumes a sitting posture.
神農街金華府的虎堵
(2021年秋季在維修中)
The Jinhua Temple in Shennong Street
(This tiger was evidently undergoing restoration in Autumn of 2021)
小編於2022年10月回到金華府時，虎堵牆已修復好了。
When I returned in October 2022, the Tiger Wall moulding had been restored.
金華路海安宮的虎堵
Jinhua Road Haian Temple
廟門口虎堵牆雕刻
The Tiger Wall carving in the entrance portal
廟公說明此雕刻內容為吳夲（音ㄊㄠ tāo）(後來的保生大帝)與學徒為老虎施行治療的故事。可以看得到醫師從老虎口中取出異物。
The temple caretaker explained that this shows Wu Tao and his apprentice curing the tiger of its malady. You can see the doctor's right hand extracting a foreign object from the tiger's mouth.
廟公說下壇將軍本來在壇下龕穴中，但後來為了讓人(尤其是小朋友)較容易看到，就搬到虎邊獨立的底座上。
The caretaker explained that General Tiger was originally in a space beneath the main altar, but was eventually moved onto his own pedestal on the Tiger Wall side in order to allow people (especially children) to see him more clearly.
此尊虎爺是我看過最大的，雙目為綠石，很明顯地露出門牙虎牙。連前下兩顆牙也看得到。
This is the largest Tiger General I have seen so far. It's eyes are green stones, and its front and canine teeth can be clearly seen. Even two of its bottom front teeth can be seen.
有大小兩尊虎，原本都為黃體黑紋，也都仰首。大尊雙腳踏元寶。
There is a much smaller tiger beside the big one, both were originally yellow with black stripes, and both are raising their heads. The large tiger has its feet resting on an ingot of gold.
大尊呈較少見的上山姿勢。
The large tiger is in the more rarely seen attitude of ascending a mountain.
小尊呈常看到的下山虎姿。
The smaller tiger is in the commonly seen descending posture.
後殿有十八羅漢雕像，其中之一為伏虎羅漢。
The Rear Hall has statues of the 18 Buddhist Arhats (Luohans), and the first one on the Tiger Wall side is the Arhat who Tamed the Tiger.
老虎顯然被羅漢徹底馴服了。
The tiger has evidently been thoroughly tamed by the Arhat (Luohan).
水仙市場裡三郊水仙宮
The Shuixian Temple in the Shuixian Market
廟門口虎堵牆雕刻和其上的「風調」字樣
The Tiger Wall carving in the entrance portal with half of the idiom meaning "Timely Winds and Rain" ("Timely Winds") (ie. Favorable Climatic Conditions for Agriculture) above it. The other half of the idiom is opposite on the Dragon Wall.
呈蹲坐姿的仰首貓爺!
Lord Cat assuming a sitting position with head raised!
自強街水仔尾開基天后祖廟
Kaiji Mazu Temple in Ziqiang Street
廟大門外的虎堵畫像
The painted Tiger Wall outside the main entrance
The colorful moulding on the Tiger Wall within the temple
神農街尾的三協境全台開基藥王廟
Temple of the God King of Medicine
at the end of Shennong Street
虎堵牆為伏虎羅漢浮雕圖
The relief carving at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) overcoming the tiger
老虎頭上刻有一個「王」字。
This tiger has the Chinese character for 'king' inscribed on its forehead.
老虎是凶猛野獸，身上的橘色黑斑紋毛皮鮮豔奪目。渾身散發出王者尊貴的氣質的虎，額上的花紋還自然的構成一個「王」字。
根據中國民間傳說，東漢光武帝劉秀曾賜給牠獸中之王的稱號。
西漢末年，王莽篡位，劉秀起兵攻打王莽。兩軍交鋒，劉秀兵敗逃走，卻被一座高山擋住了去路。他抬頭一看，兩旁都高不可攀，而身後敵軍已逼近了。在這生死攸關的時刻，馬卻突然掙著要往回跑。
劉秀拉住韁繩，一陣風聲響過，一隻猛虎倏然從山上直撲下來，讓劉秀嚇得大叫一聲：「不好，我劉秀完了！」
後邊的追兵只聽猛虎的咆哮，也嚇得都不敢前進。這時，劉秀被他的座騎摔下，那猛虎朝著躺在地上的劉秀走來，但似乎沒有要傷他的意思。
正在顫慄的劉秀問：「你是來救我的嗎？」老虎點頭，蹲在劉秀身邊。
劉秀再問：「你要背我？」老虎再點頭，劉秀就跨上虎背。
老虎飛奔， 翻山越嶺，跑了幾個時辰後，帶劉秀來到一個城鎮。劉秀從虎背跳了下來，感激不盡的對老虎說：「我該如何報答你這次救命之恩呢？」劉秀留意老虎前額有三條橫紋，於是中間用手指畫了一豎，同時吟了一首詩：
老虎頭上三橫梁，
劉秀加豎在中央。
今年救我漢劉秀，
來年封你獸中王。
後來，劉秀作了東漢皇帝，老虎額頭上也有了王字，成了獸中之王。傳說中國的「王」字就是這樣來的。
Tigers are ferocious beasts with bright orange and black markings on their fur. The tiger naturally possesses the noble appearance of royalty, and the pattern on its forehead looks like the character for 'king' in Chinese.
According to Chinese folklore, Liu Xiu, who later became the Guangwu Emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, gave it the title of King of Beasts.
In the late Western Han Dynasty, when Wang Mang usurped the throne, Liu Xiu resisted with his own troops. The two armies clashed, but Liu Xiu was defeated and fled. However, he soon found his way blocked by high mountains. He looked up and saw that both sides were unscalable, and the enemy army was swiftly approaching from his rear. At this crucial moment, his horse suddenly started to struggle and turn back.
Liu Xiu grabbed the reins as a strong gust of wind howled past and a large tiger ran down from the mountain, causing Liu Xiu to cry out in fear: "Alas, this is surely the end of Liu Xiu!"
The enemy army heard the roar of the tiger, and came to a standstill, momentarily too afraid to move forward. Just at this juncture, Liu Xiu was thrown off by his mount, and the tiger approached Liu Xiu as he lay helpless on the ground. Strangely, though, the tiger made no move to harm him.
Trembling, Liu Xiu asked, "Are you by any chance here to save me?" The tiger nodded and lowered itself down beside Liu Xiu.
Liu Xiu continued, "You want to carry me?" The tiger nodded again, and Liu Xiu climbed onto the tiger's back.
The tiger flew over the mountains and ridges for hours until they arrived at a town. Liu Xiu jumped off and addressed the tiger gratefully, "How can I ever repay you for saving my life?" Liu Xiu noticed that there were three horizontal stripes on the tiger's forehead, so he added a vertical line through the middle with his forefinger, while at the same time chanting a poem:
Three stripes on the tiger’s head,
Liu Xiu added another through the center.
Today you have saved Liu Xiu of the Han,
In future I will confer upon you the title 'King of Beasts'.
Later, Liu Xiu became the Emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the tiger has the Chinese character for 'king' displayed on its forehead down to this day, thus confirming its position as King of Beasts. Legend has it that this is the origin of the Chinese character for 'king'.
The Tiger General Beneath the Altar beneath the main altar to Emperor Shennong. The red lighting makes it hard to see that the body of the tiger is in fact back with yellow stripes, and is partially covered by a yellow and black dragon-pattern robe.
這尊虎將軍呈上山姿勢，前雙腳踏在金元寶上。神農大帝看來與老虎沒有直接的關係，但一樓龍邊神龕有天上聖母，三樓虎邊神龕還有福德正神，而這二位神祇與虎有密不可分的關聯。
The tiger is in a climbing posture, with its front paws resting on an ingot of gold. There do not seem to be any stories about Shennong and tigers, but this temple also worships Mazu and the Earth Deity, both of whom have strong associations with the tiger.
臺南市 鎮轅境 頂土地公廟
(北區崇安街91號)
Tainan Zhenyuanjing Upper Temple to the Earth Deity
(No. 91 Chongan Street, Northern District)
"頂"字指的是此廟的地勢與地位。總爺古街的首尾分別座落有鎮轅境與總祿境兩座土地公廟，是「路頭路尾土地公」典型的例子。前者因地勢較高又稱“頂土地公廟”，後者則又稱“下土地公廟”。兩間廟據說都建於清乾隆十三年（1748年），之後歷經多次重修並於戰後重建。頂土地公廟因也陪祀有齊天大聖 (孫悟空)，所以沒有像一般土地公廟 (包含總祿境下土地公廟) 供奉虎爺 (猴子與老虎不和!)。目前 (2022年11月) 下土地公廟正在整修，故看不到那裏的虎爺神像。
The word "Upper" refers to the topography and possibly the status of this temple. At both ends of the ancient Zongye Street, there were two temples to the Earth Deity (Tudi Gong), one in Zhenyuanjing and one in Zonglujing. The former is also called "The Upper Tudi Gong Temple" because of its higher terrain, while the latter is also called "The Lower Tudi Gong Temple". Both temples are said to have been built in the thirteenth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1748), and have been rebuilt many times since, especially after World War II. Because the Upper Temple also worships the Monkey King Sun Wukong as a secondary deity, it does not have any statues of the Tiger Lord (monkeys do not get along well with tigers!) as nearly all other Tudi Gong Temples do (including the Lower Temple). At present (November 2022), the Lower Temple is undergoing extensive renovations, so it is not possible to see its Tiger General.
鎮轅境頂土地公廟的虎堵牆為伏虎羅漢浮雕圖
The relief carving at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
台南玉皇宮
(北區佑民街111號)
Tainan Temple to the Jade Emperor
(No. 111, Youmin Street, Northern District)
黑體金紋的伏虎羅漢虎堵牆十分醒目
The eye-catching black and gold Tiger Wall at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
「虎嘯」字樣
"The Tiger Roars"
陪伴張府天師神像的兩尊虎爺
The two Tiger Lords accompanying the figure of Zhang Tianshi (Celestial Master Zhang)
這尊虎爺像擺在下案桌上在天師神像旁，可見虎在張天師的神話與崇拜中的重要地位。不知此尊虎因此算不算「天虎」。
This Tiger Lord is placed upon the lower table beside the statue of the god, showing its importance in the legend of worship of Celestial Master Zhang. I am not sure whether it therefore qualifies as a Celestial Tiger, but it does seem to fit the requirements.
張府天師為東漢時代的道教創始人張道陵（據說有活到123歲, 自西元34年到156年）。傳說中的張道陵還在俗世時曾遇白虎啣符。然後，修道期間騎虎入山，也騎虎出征，制伏邪魔。據說虎為道教始祖太上老君賜給張道陵， 而宋代之後張道陵持劍騎虎的圖像逐漸成為民間的避邪或壓勝物。
有學者認為太上老君是老子的神話身份，而老子可能是以老虎為圖騰的氏族的領導人。若真是如此，老虎可能自然就成了道教中重要的神獸，也因此順理成章地和張天師的形象結合為一，成為了他的坐騎。
Zhangfu Tianshi (Celestial Master Zhang) was originally Zhang Daoling, the founder of a Taoist religion in the Eastern Han Dynasty (he reportedly lived for 123 years, between 34 and 156AD). The legendary Zhang Daoling encountered a white tiger holding a talisman in its mouth and this began his religious journey into Taoism. Afterwards, he rode a tiger into the mountains and also to conquer demons. It is said that the tiger was given to Zhang Daoling by Taishang Laojun, the first ancestor of Taoism, and after the Song Dynasty, the image of Zhang Daoling riding a tiger band brandishing a sword gradually became a folk image used to ward off evil.
Some scholars believe that Taishang Laojun is the mythical identity of Laozi, and that he may have been leader of a clan which used the tiger in its totem imagery. If this is the case, the tiger may naturally have become an important mythical beast in Taoism, and therefore merged easily with the legend of Zhang Tianshi in which it eventually becomes his mount, in effect becoming inseparable from him.
大觀音亭暨祀典興濟宮
(北區成功路86號)
Grand Guanyin Pavilion
& Official Xingji Temple
(No. 86, Chengong Rd. North District)
興濟宮的虎堵牆
The Tiger Wall in Xingji Temple
大觀音亭的大彩色虎堵牆
The large and colorful Tiger Wall in Grand Guanyin Pavilion
興濟宮的保生大帝也有忠貞的虎爺坐在主神像前面的桌上陪伴
The Baosheng Emperor in Xingji Temple is accompanied by his faithful 'Lord Tiger' on the table in front of the main shrine.
保生大帝本名吳夲（音ㄊㄠ tāo）或吳本，原為宋代的醫師。吳夲醫術高超，心善助人而名聲遠播。據說有一天外出採藥時，失足墜崖而羽化，享年57歲。
相傳，吳夲曾於山中採藥時遇上一隻老虎。這隻老虎不久前吃了一位頭帶金簪的婦人，結果金簪卡在老虎的喉嚨讓牠非常痛苦(另一個版本說喉嚨卡了小孩的腿骨)。吳夲告訴老虎這就是牠作亂的報應，但那心地善良的醫師實在不忍心見到老虎如此受苦，便跟老虎約法三章，只要牠不再傷人，就願意帶著牠一邊修行，一邊為牠療傷。
吳夲日日細心照顧老虎，終將牠的傷治癒了。老虎跟在吳夲身旁的這段日子，也靜心修行，久而久之便成了吳夲的坐騎，也就是保生大帝的守護神。這就是為甚麼祭祀保生大帝的寺廟通常也會隨祀「虎爺」或「黑虎大將」。
也可以看到虎爺與其他幾位神聯合，因為一個類似的故事有敘述土地公如何馴服這隻兇猛的野獸並將其當作坐騎。 據說連天后媽祖有時也騎在虎爺的背上。 因為虎爺神格被視為較低微，虎爺像往往放置在主要神明的神龕下方。不過少數神廟也把虎爺當作主神祭拜，將牠的像擺在神桌上面。
The Baosheng (Life-Protecting) Emperor, whose real name was Wu Tao or Wu Ben, was originally a physician in the Song Dynasty. Wu Tao is famous for his excellent medical skills, kind heart and willingness to assist others. It is said that one day at the age of 57 he went out to gather herbs and accidentally fell from a cliff, being transformed into an Immortal on his death.
According to legend, Wu Tao encountered a tiger while gathering medicinal herbs in the mountains. The tiger had recently eaten a woman, and her golden hairpin was stuck in the tiger's throat, causing it a great deal of pain (another version says the tiger had the leg bone of a child stuck in its throat). Wu Tao told the tiger that this was just retribution for wrongdoing, but at the same time the kind-hearted doctor could not bear to see the tiger suffer so much. Thus, Wu Tao made an agreement with the tiger: if it agreed to stop killing people, he would teach it to ennoble its character while he healed its injury.
Wu Tao took good care of the tiger and healed its wound. During this period the tiger followed the doctor and learned how to do good. After a time, Wu Tao began to ride on the Tiger's back, and the tiger protected him from danger. This is why temples dedicated to Emperor Baosheng also usually enshrine the 'Tiger Lord' or 'Black Tiger General'. 'Lord Tiger' can be seen in association with several other gods too, since there is a similar story about how the Earth God tamed the fierce creature and made the it his mount. Even Mazu, Queen of Heaven, is said to ride upon the back of 'Lord Tiger'. 'Lord Tiger' is often placed beneath the shrines of principal deities, although rarely he is also worshipped in his own right and sits on top of the table.
開基武廟原正殿
(新美街)
Kaiji Guangong Temple
(Xinmei Street)
門口外面的彩色的虎堵
The colorful Tiger Wall in the entrance
開基武廟前面舊廟的彩色虎爺(位於門口虎壁裡面)。因為主神為關公(武神)，故廟內的三尊虎將軍都呈衝下山 (撲向敵人) 的姿勢。三尊都為黃體黑紋虎爺。
A colorful Lord Tiger in the old temple in the older front part of the temple (located inside the tiger wall just inside the entrance). Because the main temple god (Guangong) is a martial deity, all three of his accompanying tiger generals are in the "descending" or "attacking" posture.
龕穴內壁有虎形臉譜
There is a tiger-shaped face mask on the inner wall of the niche.
廟裡面後殿門口的虎堵石雕。虎子情深的意義濃厚。
The stone tiger carving in the entrance to the rear part of the temple. There is a strong sense of the bond between the parent and its offspring.
後殿神龕下方的兩尊下壇將軍。較大尊身披龍紋紅布。
照廟宇一般「左尊右卑」「龍尊虎卑」的原則，虎爺穿龍紋可提升祂的地位。
Two General Tigers Beneath the Altar (rear temple). The larger one is wearing a red cloth embroidered with dragons. According to the general temple principle that "the left is superior to the right" and "the dragon is superior to the tiger", by wearing the dragon pattern the Tiger Lord can enhance his status.
八吉境五帝廟
(中西區忠義路二段)
兩尊虎將軍平常擺在壇下，但我拜訪的那天祂為了特別的祭祀活動已被移到三川門裡面的桌上。
The two Tiger Generals are usually placed under the altar, but on the day I visited, they had been moved to a table inside main doors for a special ceremonial event.
大小尊都為朝天虎
Both tigers, large and small, have their eyes turned up to the heavens.
虎堵牆壁畫與祀典興濟宮中的蠻相似
The Tiger Wall moulding is quite similar to that in the Official Xingji Temple
臺灣首廟天壇(天公廟)
(中西區忠義路二段)
Taiwan Tian Tan First Temple (Tian Gong Temple)
此廟的三尊虎爺均黑體黃紋, 呈下山虎姿。
All the tigers in this temple assume the "descending" or "attacking" posture, and are all black with yellow stripes.
後殿南斗星君神龕下的虎將軍
The Tiger General under the shrine of The Star God of the Southern Dipper in the Rear Hall
後殿北斗星君神龕下的虎將軍
The Tiger General under the shrine of The Star God of the Northern Dipper in the Rear Hall
玉皇上帝正殿裡的虎堵牆
The Tiger Wall moulding in the Main Hall of the Jade Emperor
太歲殿一樓前埕裡的虎堵牆
The Tiger Wall moudling in the first-floor courtyard of the Palace of the Tai Sui Gods
太歲殿二樓正殿的虎將軍放在張天師案桌前的獨立神座。
The Tiger General in the Main Hall of the Palace of the Tai Sui Gods in placed on a separate pedestal in front of the shrine to Celestial Master Zhang.
南勢街西羅殿
(接官亭對面)
Tainan Xiluo Temple
(opposite the Jieguan Pavilion and Temple of the Wind God in Kangle Street)
佩戴紅色項圈的過街貓爺!
Lord Cat sporting a red collar crossing the street!
廟門口虎堵牆雕刻
The Tiger Wall carving in the entrance portal
福德正神(土地公)神龕下的黑虎將軍
Black Tiger General Beneath the Altar of the God of Blessing and Virtue (another name for the Earth Deity, Tudi Gong)
神龕下總共有四尊黑虎將軍像
I counted a total of four Black Tiger Generals under the altar
西羅殿的黑虎將軍看起來特別有威嚴
The Black Tiger General at Xiluo Temple looks particularly majestic
四安境北線尾下大道良皇宮 (保生大帝廟)
(在府前路與西門路交界處)
Temple of the Baosheng Emperor
(Located at the intersection of Fuqian Road and Ximen Road)
良皇宮應該是台南具有最多虎將軍像的廟宇吧!
我數算了總共12尊!
This must be the temple in Tainan with the most Tiger General statues. I counted a total of twelve!
跟興濟宮一樣，良皇宮主祀保生大帝。黑虎將軍因此擺在自己專用的桌上，而不是放在另一尊神的壇下。
Like Xingji Temple, this is a place where the Baosheng Emperor is worshiped. The Black Tiger Generals therefore sit upon their own table rather than being placed in a niche under the altar of another god.
正殿的拱頂和天花板是沒有使用釘子的構造，令人讚嘆!
Amazingly, the domed vault and ceiling in the main hall were constructed without using any nails!
和平街的府城三協境下南河南沙宮 (開基包公廟)
Nansha Temple (The Temple of the Lord Justice Bao) in Heping Street
南沙宮門口的伏虎羅漢虎壁
The Tiger Wall at the temple entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
包公的虎頭鍘，龍頭鍘，和狗頭鍘。
Representations of the tiger, dragon, and dog-headed guillotines used by Lord Justice Bao
The tiger-headed guillotine was a special execution tool used Bao Qingtian (Bao Zheng) or Lord Justic Bao in the Northern Song Dynasty. It was reportedly created in around 1058AD, during the reign of the Renzong Emperor. The tiger-headed guillotine was made principally of bronze. The head is that of a male tiger and the guillotine blade fits into a slot on the body of the tiger. The difference between the tiger-headed guillotine, the dog-headed guillotine and the dragon- headed guillotine (or the lion-headed guillotine) was only concerned whom they were intended to be used on. The dog-headed guillotine was to execute commoners who had committed capital crimes; the tiger-headed guillotine was used on government ministers and officials; the dragon-headed guillotine (or lion-headed guillotine) was used to execute royal relatives, princes and other members of the nobility. The three guillotines were placed in the courtroom of the Kaifeng Mansion where Lord Justice Bao rendered his verdicts.
觀亭街興尊宮
Xingzun Temple in Guanting Street
呈下山姿勢的下壇將軍
The pose of this General Beneath the Altar is as though he is descending a mountain
黑色的虎將軍條紋已不易辨識
The tiger's body looks completely black, but some faint orange stripes can be discerned if you look carefully
興尊宮獅子和老虎抗衡的鏤空雕刻
Fretwork carving of what appear to be a lion and a tiger contending with each other
興尊宮的伏虎羅漢浮雕壁畫
A wall relief of the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the Tiger
廣慈院五福大帝偏殿
The Taoist Shrine of the Wufu Emperor affiliated to Guangci Buddhist Temple
廣慈院五福大帝偏殿的黑體黃紋下壇將軍
General Tiger Beneath the Altar. A small black tiger with yellow/orange stripes.
身前擺有無符開光鏡
There is a blank idol consecration mirror placed in front of it
小南天福德正神(土地公)廟
(忠義路二段158巷)
Xiaonantian Temple to the Earth Deity (The God of Blessings and Virtue)
(Located in Zhongyi Rd. Sec. 2 Lane 158)
下壇將軍
General Tiger Beneath the Altar
This tiger is black with yellow stripes, and it is looking upwards to the heavens
雙腳間擺有開光鏡符
There is an idol consecration mirror with a spell written on it between its paws
北廠金勝宮
(民族路三段148巷21號)
Northern Shipyard Jinsheng Temple
(No. 21, Lane 148, Minzu Rd. Sec. 3)
此廟主祀有武安尊王（張巡）。張巡以真源縣令的身分，起兵駐守雍丘，抵抗安史之亂的安祿山的燕軍。北廠金勝宮陪祀的神明之一為福德正神，因此也有拜虎爺。
This temple principally worships King Wu An, who was a county magistrate named Zhang Xun during the Tang Dynasty. When the General An Lushan rebelled and attempted to establish the Yan Dynasty, Zhang Xun remained loyal to the Tang court and fought against him. The temple also worships the Earth Deity (The God of Blessing and Virtue), and the tiger is closely associated with this deity.
正殿主神龕下的二尊黑虎將軍
The Black Tiger General Beneath the Main Altar
較小的一尊為黃體黑紋虎，呈半坐姿，尾巴下有高錢
The smaller tiger was originally yellow with black stripes, and assumes a half-sitting posture. There is temple money under its tail.
此尊虎爺黑體黃文，呈仰首下山姿勢，前雙腳踏金元寶，尾巴下有高錢。
The larger tiger is black with yellowish-golden stripes, and assumes a descending posture while looking upwards. Its two feet are placed on a gold ingot, and there is temple money under its tail.
在虎邊神龕神桌上徐甲真人(傳說中太上老君的從神，四真人或四仙之一)香爐後邊有供奉三尊迷你虎爺，都黃體黑紋，平視前方，兩尊踩踏金元寶。這三尊都屬於較少看到的「天虎」系統。
To the left of the main altar, there are three mini Tiger Lords placed behind the incense burner within the shrine of the Taoist Immortal Xujia. They all have yellow bodies with black markings and look straight ahead. Two of them have their front paws placed upon ingots of gold. These three belong to the more rarely-seen "Celestial Tiger" class.
佛頭港崇福宮
(民族路三段與忠孝街口)
Fotou Harbor Chongfu Temple
(Minzu Rd. Sec. 3 and Zhongxiao Street Intersection)
此廟主祀玄天上帝
This temple is dedicated principally to the Xuanwu Emperor, or Black Emperor of the North, a powerful and high-ranking Taoist water deity.
主神龕下的二尊虎將軍。大尊原本為黑體黃紋下山虎，而較小的是黃體黑紋仰首虎。兩尊虎都被香火燻黑了。
There are two Tiger Generals under the main altar. The larger one was originally black with yellow stripes and its posture is as though descending a mountain. Smoke from burning incense has over time coated the colors with black soot. The smaller one is a yellow tiger with black stripes which has its head and eyes raised up.
There are fretwork carvings depicting tigers being ridden inside the temple on the lefthand wall as you face the main altar.
虎堵牆為伏虎羅漢浮雕圖
The relief carving at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) overcoming the tiger
有很多有關玄天上帝的傳說，最為人熟知的是祂如何制服龜魔蛇妖怪。但玄天上帝與老虎有何淵源? 其中一個故事有說明這件事。據說玄天上帝本來是靜樂國的太子。太子為了向父母報恩決定捨棄榮華富貴，退隱武當山修道練氣。在武當山，太子遇見了聰明的烏鴉，能辨識上山的來訪者是友是敵。太子因此對烏鴉相當賞識。黑虎出現攔路時，烏鴉原以為牠是要來吃人的，馬上擋在太子面前，自願犧牲性命保全太子安全。幸好，黑虎原來是奉命來保護太子在武當山上的安危。烏鴉和黑虎從此合作，烏鴉冷靜判斷來者的善惡，黑虎則是威猛善戰，為太子除害驅妖。太子非常感激烏鴉和黑虎的貢獻，得道後便賜封牠們為神。所以，在很多主祀玄天上帝的廟宇，都能看見烏鴉將軍、黑虎將軍二位護法神祇。
There are many legends about Xuanwu, the most well known is probably the story of how he subdued the tortoise and snake demons. But how is Xuanwu associated with tigers? One of the stories explains this. It is said that Xuanwu was originally the crown prince of the State of Jingle. In order to repay his parents, he decided to give up his glory and wealth and retire to Wudang Mountain to practice self-cultivation in accord with Taoism. On Wudang Mountain, the prince met a wise crow who could distinguish whether the visitors were friends or enemies. The prince was very therefore appreciative of the crow. When a black tiger appeared and blocked the road, the crow thought it had come to eat his master, so he immediately stood in front of the prince, willing to sacrifice his life to keep the prince safe. Fortunately, the black tiger had been sent by heaven to ensure the safety of the prince while he stayed on Wudang Mountain. The crow and the black tiger therefore worked together, the crow calmly judging the nature of visitors, and the black tiger taking action to punish evildoers and drive away demons. The prince was very grateful for the contributions of the crow and the black tiger, and after attaining to enlightenment, he bestowed godship upon them. Therefore, in many temples dedicated to the god Xuanwu, the two guardian deities, General Crow and General Black Tiger, can be seen.
六興境帆寮慈蔭亭
Liuxingjing Temple to Guanyin Goddess of Mercy
虎堵牆為伏虎羅漢雕刻
The relief carving at the entrance shows the Buddhist Arhat (Luohan) taming the tiger
我到慈蔭亭那天(2022年11月5日)下壇將軍龕穴中有八尊黃皮黑紋虎。穴中模樣如山洞，內設的案桌上有兩尊，左邊的為平視前方的下山虎，右邊的則是凝視前方的蹲坐姿虎。其餘六尊也是呈蹲坐姿，均向右側首。
When I visited on November 5, 2022, there were eight yellow Tiger Generals with black stripes under the altar. The inside of the niche is designed to look like a mountain grotto. The two tigers on the raised plinth at the back were larger and show different postures. The six at the front were smaller ones and all in a sitting posture with heads turned to the right.
細看之下，六尊小虎的臉部特徵都不太一樣
On closer inspection, it can be seen that the faces of the smaller tigers are all slightly different.
那天適逢特別儀式，其他三尊虎將軍在外面廟前受人膜拜。較小的兩尊與廟內龕穴中另外六小虎相同，而較大尊原本也是黃毛黑紋虎 (現在已被香火燻黑了)，一樣呈蹲坐姿勢，但向左側首。
I just happened to visit during a ceremony in honor of General Tiger, and three statues had been removed from their place under the altar and placed on a table outside the temple. Two of the tigers were the same as the other six small ones in the niche, and one larger one sat between them. This Tiger General also has a yellow/orange body with black stripes (although now black with incense smoke, its robe shows its original color), and it is in a sitting posture with its head turned to the left.
慈蔭亭還供奉媽祖和福德正神（土地公），因此與老虎有關。 廟方人員還表示他們拜齊天大聖孫悟空。 一些廟宇不一起祭祀猴和虎，免得祂們打架。 然而，顯然在慈蔭亭這不成問題。 或許觀音菩薩能夠維持他們之間的和平。
This temple also worships Mazu and The God of Blessings of Virtue (Tudi Gong), so through these is associated with tigers. The temple personnel also stated that they worship the Monkey King (Sun Wu-Kong). Some temples do not worship the monkey and tiger together, as they might fight. Apparently, however, this is not a problem at this temple. Perhaps The Goddess of Mercy is able to keep the peace between them.
六興境開基開山宮
Liuxingjing Kaishan Temple
門口虎壁石材浮雕
The Tiger Wall relief carving at the temple entrance
下壇將軍龕穴中有五尊虎將軍，其中最小的被隱藏在最大尊的下面。五尊均為黃體黑紋虎。
There are five Tiger Generals in the niche under the main altar. The smallest one is hidden under the body of the largest. All five are yellow with black stripes.
龕穴內壁有遠山和竹林的圖案。最大尊頭微仰，呈下山姿勢。旁邊較小尊也是下山虎，但首向左側。兩尊尾巴有掛著高錢。
The niche is decorated with carvings of distant mountains and a bamboo forest. The head of the largest tiger is slightly raised and the body is positioned as though descending a mountain. Beside it is another smaller tiger in a similar posture but with its head turned to the left. Both have temple money fixed to their tails.
最前面擺有兩尊更小的蹲坐姿虎，首側左邊，張口露出上下排牙齒。
At the very front are two unusual sitting tigers with open mouths with show upper and lower teeth. The heads are turned to the left.
Hidden under the largest tiger is a small tiger in the more seldom seen posture of ascending a mountain. It has its head turned to the left like the others.
開基靈祐宮
(中西區赤崁東街86號)
Lingyou Temple
(Chikan East Street)
此廟主祀北極玄天上帝
This temple principally worships the Xuanwu Emperor, or Black Emperor of the North, a powerful and high-ranking Taoist water deity.
門口的彩色虎堵牆
The colorful Tiger Wall relief at the entrance
There are two ferocious-looking Tiger Generals Beneath the Altar (befitting a martial deity). Both are in the descending/attacking posture, but have their heads turned in different directions. Both are showing upper front and upper canine teeth.
壁畫中有老虎為坐騎
The wall paintings show tigers being ridden
靈佑宮旁也有「小黑虎」現身!
A small black "tiger" showed up beside the temple!
首貮境萬福庵
(民族路二段317巷)
Shouerjing Wanfu Temple
(Lane 317, Minzu Rd. Sec. 2)
萬福庵主祀齊天大聖，但也拜福德正神與註生娘娘。二樓佛堂拜三寶佛和觀世音普薩。
那天(2022年11月6日)適逢特別儀式，其他三尊虎將軍在外面廟前受人膜拜。三尊供奉於神桌上，五營神將前方 (平常在廟內也供奉於下案桌上五營斗前，三尊均為較少見的「天虎」)。其中二尊黃皮黑紋，呈下山虎姿，另一尊則黑體黃紋，呈蹲坐姿。三尊虎爺都虎首側向左邊，露二顆上門牙和上虎牙，虎尾或身下放有高錢。
I was fortunate that when I visited on November 6, 2022, there was a special ceremony in progress and three Tiger Generals were on a table outside the temple. These three are usually placed on a table in front of the main altar and positioned with the Five Generals behind them, since they belong to the more rarely seen "Celestial Tiger" class.
The fourth Tiger General in under the table upon which the other three tigers are usually placed. It is of the "Earthly Tiger" class. It is unusual in that it has an open mouth which shows the upper and lower teeth. This tiger moved into Wanfu Temple in 2019 when its original home was knocked down due to the railway line being moved slightly eastwards.
虎爺還在地藏王祠時(攝於2019年)
A picture of this tiger in its old home near the railway line at the level crossing on Qingnian Road.
總趕宮
Zong Gan Temple
(中正路131巷)
(Lane 131, Zhengzheng Rd.)
This temple primarily worships Overseer Ni, the protector of warships, who is represented on the central altar. The God of Blessing and Virtue and the fertility goddess Zhusheng Niang Niang are worshiped on the side altars.
虎子情深虎堵牆壁畫
The moulding on the Tiger Wall expresses the bond between parents and children
兩尊蹲坐姿的下壇將軍
Two Generals Beneath the Altar, both in sitting postures.
五瘟宮
Wu Wen Temple
(中正路131巷)
(Lane 131, Zhengzheng Rd.)
主祀神明的稱五瘟神或五瘟大帝。龍邊神龕奉祀五小子及家將、天虎及地虎；虎邊神龕奉祀福德正神及五營兵將。
The principal deities worshiped here are the Gods of the Five Plagues (or Poisons), collectively referred to as the Emperor of the Five Pestilences. The right side altar is dedicated to the Children of the Five Poisons, their followers, and the Celestial and Earthly Tigers. The God of Virtue of Blessing and the Five Generals are worshiped on the lefthand side altar.
玻璃櫃裡龍側案桌上的「天虎 」
(看來是「金花」戴頂的虎狀元)
The Celestial Tiger (apparently a Tiger Top Scholar) appears upon the righthand side altar. The Golden Flowers Headpiece was awarded to the scholar who achieved the highest score in the imperial examinations.
金花簪上有「招財進寶」字樣
The headdress contains a wish for bringing in wealth and treasure
「地虎」下壇將軍
The Earthly Tiger as the General Beneath the Altar
有幾個傳說跟清朝嘉慶皇帝微服出巡臺灣有關(其實嘉慶不曾來過台灣)。其中一個故事敘述有一天嘉慶半夜夢中被鬼怪騷擾，突然出現聖獸來救他。日後嘉慶到肇慶堂土地公廟，發現救他脫險的居然是虎爺，故封虎爺為「虎狀元」，並賜金花戴頂。
There are several legends about an incognito visit to Taiwan by Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty (in fact, Jiaqing never came to Taiwan). One of the tales relates that one night Jiaqing was harassed by demons and a holy creature suddenly appeared in his dream to save him. Not long afterwards, when Jiaqing was visiting Tudi Gong Temple, he recognized that it was Lord Tiger who had rescued him. In gratitude, he elevated the status of Lord Tiger at that temple to that of a Celestial Tiger and bestowed upon him the Golden Flowers headdress of a "Top Scholar".
朝興宮溫陵廟
Wenling Temple
(舊址為濟生街64號。但廟要重建，
故暫在民生路三段336號)
(Temporarily located at No. 336, Minsheng Rd. Sec. 3 during reconstruction of the original temple)
此廟主祀神明為天上聖母
This is a temple principally dedicated to Mazu
「地虎」下壇將軍呈蹲坐姿，雙目朝天，身穿黃底黑紋的神衣。
The "Earth Tiger" General Beneath the Altar is in a sitting position with eyes turned upward to heaven. He is wearing a divine robe with black stripes against a yellow background.
中間下案桌上的「天虎將軍」，呈蹲坐姿，身穿黑底黃紋的神衣，前雙腳踏在金元寶。下面的底座寫上「天虎將軍」的字樣。
The "Celestial Tiger General" on the lower table before the central altar is in a sitting position. He is wearing a divine robe with a black background and yellow stripes, and his front feet are resting upon an ingot of gold. The words "Celestial Tiger General" are written on the base of the statue.
The "Celestial Tiger General" sits beside the God of Blessing and Virtue
南興萬聖公廟
Nanxing Wansheng Temple
(民權路四段472號)
(No. 472, Minquan Rd. Sec. 4)
此廟主祀神明為萬聖公
This temple primarily worships Lord Wansheng
這尊「天虎」供奉於下案桌中央，中壇元帥前
The "Celestial Tiger" is placed in the center of the lower table before the main altar, in front of the statue of Nezha, Marshal of the Central Altar
這尊為黑體黃文的朝天虎，呈蹲坐姿，首側向左。底座刻有「黑虎將軍」的字樣。
The tiger is black with yellow stripes, and assumes a sitting posture with its head turned to the left. On the base of the statue the inscription reads "Black Tiger General".
Thus, it can be concluded that in Tainan West Central District Celestial Tigers are relatively rare and hard to find. If fact, I have only found five temples which house these high-ranking Tiger Lords, a total of nine Celestial Tigers in all. All the other Tiger Generals belong to the Earthly Tiger class.
1. 兌悅里北廠金勝宮
Northern Shipyard Jinsheng Temple
三尊天虎 Three Celestial Tigers
2. 南美里首貮境萬福庵
Shouerjing Wanfu Temple
三尊天虎 Three Celestial Tigers
3. 南美里五瘟宮
Wu Wen Temple
一尊天虎 One Celestial Tiger
4. 藥王里朝興宮溫陵廟
Wenling Temple
一尊天虎 One Celestial Tiger
5. 西賢里南興萬聖公廟
Nanxing Wansheng Temple
一尊天虎 One Celestial Tiger
1. Additional Stories about people and tigers
2. The most unusual or cute tigers.
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