The Symbolism of Lion Water Fountains
- jr81568
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Lion water fountains have been a popular design in parks, estates, home gardens, and buildings. There are different types of lion fountain designs popular today and in the past. Most are installed outdoors but some are located inside buildings.
Symbolism of Lions In Water Fountains
Lions are considered king of the beasts known for strength, power, and leadership. They are associated with royalty, courage and bravery. In Egypt lions were connected with the sun and a symbol associated with positive and negative energy.
Lion statues in Egypt often protected tombs, treasures and people from evil spirits. In Chinese culture it is a sign of the zodiac that represents courage, nobility and strength. They believed the lion could chase evil spirits away and protect people from harm. It is depicted in Chinese festivals and dance.
Water flowing through a gargoyle lion spout is believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the space. It is based on fen shui principles which allows the flow of energy to be balanced. The sound of water is believed to reduce stress and bring a calming effect to those that hear or see it. It brings positive energy to an office, garden or park.
Lions are often associated with bodies of water lakes, and oceans. They are associated with spiritual practices in religions for purifying, cleansing and renewal. In some religions they are the guardians of water. The lions association with water signifies opposite traits of both gentleness and courage. Lion fountains often embody all these symbols in gardens, parks, zoo, and outside buildings.
Position of The Lion and What It Symbolizes
The position of the lion spout in the fountain is designed to symbolize and have different meanings depending on what the park or building wants to convey to the public. Below are some interpretations.
Lion Laying Down
A lion lying down promotes peace and harmony. It is relaxing enjoying the moment where it is located. It can create a sense of peace in a park, zoo or garden for those that visit or work there. The lion is resting, relaxing, enjoying the sun, free from attack and safe.
Lion Sitting
A lion sitting means it relaxed a fountain located in a garden or park promotes relaxation and harmony. It can be located inside a building too. A lion sitting is not fearful of attack, it is peaceful, content a symbol of what the fountain can convey in the garden or park.
Lion Roaring
A roaring lion represents energy and power. In a fountain it can promote the symbolism of power, leadership, and strength. It can be a fountain outside a corporation, business, or organization that wants to promote this image. It can be a non-profit organization with a fountain that represent its values.
Roaring means power, the energy to defend something or begin a leader of the pack. A fountain with a lion roaring might mean the best garden or park in the city or town.
Lion Standing
A standing lion can mean confidence and leadership in a fountain. It can create an atmosphere of pride in a garden, park, or botanical garden. A standing lion near a fountain mean take pride in your park, garden or botanical garden. It commands attention to the structure.
Lion waterspouts are made of stone, metal, ceramic, and resin. Some fountains have more than one basin or are multi layered and have more than one spout. Fountain design include adding plants, waterfalls, and lighting. Lion waterspouts in fountains are a popular design today for home gardens, parks, buildings, and other outdoor spaces.
References:
Lion Water Fountain Decoding The Symbolism and Meaning, Water Feature Adore 2025
The Spiritual Meaning of Lions by Lauren David, Mind Body Green, March 2023
Lion Fountain From Myth to Reality, New Home Stone 2025
Lion and Water Spirituality: Strength Spiritual Desk 2025
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