The Drip Beast in Minnan Architecture: Cultural Heritage and Auspicious Symbolism

The "Drip Beast," known as the "rain spout," is an important drainage component in Minnan architecture. It is typically found at the water outlets on the corners of ancient brick-and-stone houses or "Fan-Tsai" buildings in Minnan. It is one of the unique features of Minnan architectural culture and is also considered an auspicious beast used to ward off evil spirits and protect homes. According to Quanzhou's local chronicles, the British Presbyterian Church sent Reverend David Abeel to Jinjiang, Anhai from Xiamen, in the sixth year of Emperor Xianfeng's reign during the Qing Dynasty to preach. In the second year of Emperor Tongzhi's reign, they began preaching in Quanzhou City. After the sixth year of Emperor Tongzhi, the church expanded along the East and West Jin Rivers and southern Anhai toward the coastal areas of Jinjiang and further into Nan'an, Anxi, Yongchun, and Dehua. The "Drip Beast" of Western-style church architecture is vividly described in the novel The Legend of the Gargoyle, in which it is portrayed as a guardian creature that protects the holy spirit. It is not evil but repels both righteous and malevolent forces. These "Drip Beasts" come in various forms and carry auspicious meanings. The fish-shaped "Drip Beast" symbolizes abundance year after year, the lion-shaped one symbolizes the welcoming of blessings, the qilin (a mythical beast) sometimes represents the blessing of children, and the mandarin duck symbolizes happiness and love.