 
A Changseung is a milepost or guardian for a village.
Deeply rooted in Korea's shamanism culture, it has over 200 years of history. Originally
named pupsu or puksu, the name Changseung
was borrowed from the Taoism idea of "jangsaeng bulsa" (meaning live
long and never die). This jangsaeng became changseung
for easier pronunciation. Even in modern time, pubsu or puksu are still
used in the southern areas (Cholla, Ch'ungch'ong, and Kyongsang
Provinces). Some people also call them halabugi, halmunidangsan,
harubang
(on Cheju Island), chunha daejanggun, susal, dolmiruk,
sinjang, or soosal.
The name of the various types of changseung differs
according to its role, function, appearance, and location. It is classified into many
different functions such as village protection, national defense, protection from
disaster and diseases, protection of Buddhism, geological boundary, legal milepost,
protection from diseases and disasters from China, and praying for a son. In its basic
form, changseung represents a guardian with a symbolic
expression of a deformed human face on stone or wood and its name written on the body.
Usually, a pair would guard the entrance to the village.
The expression of the face marks the most important aspect. It usually has popped eyes,
a big and bulbous potato nose, protruding teeth, and a hat. The expression of the
changseung's face falls into two different categories.
One is the guardian or
tokkaebi (see below) look, while the
other is a self-portrait image of the masses. These two different types expressed realistic
views or humorous caricatures of humanity.
Certain representations are common throughout Korea. Chonha-dejangkun is the great
god above the world, and he is usually found together with Jiha-yojangkun, the
great female god of the underground. Bangwee-shinjang is the god guarding against
devils and misfortune, while hohop-shinjang is the god who protects national or
religious constitution. Bopsoo is name of a Sinson (a Taoist supernatural,
personified god) who prevents evil spirits from visiting.
|
