Steemit Engagement Challenge S11-W1- The Animals (Mascot)
Hey Steemian friends!
Let me start the second week with a roaring tale! 🦁 Centuries ago, these majestic beasts ruled the lush plains of Sri Lanka, and today, they proudly adorn the nation's flag, a reminder of a rich heritage long gone. Hold on tight for the story of Sri Lanka's magnificent mascot!
| 👉 Introduction of the Mascot |
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The Sri Lankan Lion, scientifically known as Panthera leo sinhaleyus or Ceylonese lion, is a subspecies of the Asiatic lion. The lion is believed to be well built and larger than their cousins in Africa. It is sad that lion is extinct but they have become an integral part of Sri Lanka's cultural and historical fabric. Their majesty became revered symbols of royalty during ancient times. Hence, the Sinhalese kings have taken them to the flags of their kingdoms over centuries to show their power & Strength.
This particular sub specie hasn't been found in any other part of the world and believed that they only lived in Sri Lanka. During an excavation Sri Lanka Archaeologists found a fossil that is believed to be this lion's Left lower molar. According to the founding, they believe that the lion extinction happened in prehistoric times.
| 👉 What is the animal mascot used for? |
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Lions and Sri Lanka go way, way back. One of the most iconic uses of the lion is on the Sri Lankan flag.
After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948, the flag representing the new democratic Sri Lanka has been the golden lion holding a sword. This is a symbolizing the nation's bravery and sovereignty. However, this has so much influence from the previous flags used by kings from ancient times.
You can see how the adaptation has taken over for decades of years thought out the history. Historian believes the lion symbol date backs to 486BC.
Moreover, lions have been featured in various cultural expressions, including literature, folktales, art, and traditional dance. Their image often represents courage, power, and nobility, reflecting the qualities that the lion embodies as a national symbol.
- If someone asked what is the most iconic historical site in Sri Lanka, you can answer without any doubt that it is Sigiriya, famously known as the Lion Rock. This rock is the most tourist visited site in Sri Lanka for the past decade and its technology and architecture are believed to be considered as a world wonder.
The site gets its name from the massive jaw-dropping lion-shaped gateway that once guarded the entrance to the palace at the summit, talk about royal protection! Unfortunately, only the gigantic lion's paws remain today, but it stands as a testament to the lion's significance in ancient Sri Lankan architecture and art.
| 👉 Mention its characteristics and philosophy so that it becomes a mascot. |
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The people of Sri Lanka known as Sinhalese is a translation of Sinhala. The words are derived from, Sinha (Lion) + hela (the ancient name of the country). There's a myth that Sri Lankans believe that their first king Vijaya is half a lion. It's like we've got lion blood running through our veins!
The historical book named "Mahavamsa (‘Great Chronicle’)" is where the history of Sri Lanka is written. So our first king's family tree is clearly mentioned and according to the legend King Vijaya's grandfather was a lion. Yeah, you heard me right – a lion grandpa!!!
Well, aren't we Sri Lankans crazy about this big cat now!? 🦁 Our sports teams, our soldiers, they proudly go by the name "lions." It's like a badge of honor. These examples demonstrate the enduring and deep-rooted relationship between Sri Lanka and lions and I hope you had a wild time reading it.
Thank you for this interesting contest @steem.ofanimals. Looking forward to taking on the third week challenge. I would like to invite @estem, @m-fdo & @vickyson to participate in this contest.
Thank you.
Peace to all 🙏
All the images have been developed by Midjourney / Dall E and photoshoped by me. Proper sourcing has been ensured below for any other pictures used in the content.
References for pictures and information:
01.Wikipedia
02.Sri Lanka’s Extinct Big Cats
03.Panthera leo sinhaleyus
04.Flag of Sri Lanka
05.Sigiriya
Hello friend greetings to you.
Your post has given too much information about sri Lankan tiger in the flag. I wasn't aware of facts about it before. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Best wishes for the contest.
Then I hope you learned a new thing from my post 👍 Thanks for the visit friend, have a good day!
Hello my friend @virajherath, the Lion is a fierce animal that represents courage, greatness and power, can you imagine if it had not become extinct? Wow, what a beauty.
It is very exciting to read the story of Sri Lanka. I can just imagine Grandfather Lion. No wonder the Lion has been the protagonist of the country's history.
Greetings my friend and success in the contest.
Seriously, if those majestic creatures were still roaming around, it would've been an absolute wonder. Nobody would enter our jungles because we have the highest leopard density for this region too.. Two amazing hunters will rule the jungles in Sri Lanka then.
hola amigo, muy buena la historia del León Sri Lanka, el León siempre ha sido una imagen de respecto y autoridad. Me gustaría conocer más acerca del abuelo del Rey Vijaya.
There's no much literature about him @napito, the only mention is his name "Sinhabahu" which translates to "Sinha = Lion, Bahu = Arm". Thank you for your visit!
Thank you, friend!
I'm @steem.history, who is steem witness.
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Every nation and states has symbols that represents their strengths your nations seem to be the strongest, the tourist Center made of stones is natural ,the king family are generation of lion, i have never had of that, thank you for the invite,reading about the historical background is awesome. Best of luck
I believe every country has such symbol. The Lion Rock is real and it is once believed as the 08th wonder of the world. Has a lot of history behind it and also mysterious stories. The engineering and irrigation systems are out of the world.
The kings story behind the lion is superstitious I guess 😅 no matter how awkward it is we love to say we are coming from a lion though!
The golden lion mascot is very cool and symbolises strength, authority...
Very interesting publication.
Good luck with the contest.
Greetings
Thank you!
Hello.. The lion realy represent bravery, and the people of sri-lanka muct be brave.
Thanks for sharing this awsme contest
Once they were brave.. but now I guess not so much 🤔