Have you ever noticed large, round stone basins placed near the entrances of these palaces? These are called "Deumu" (드므), and they are more than just decorative water containers.
🏺 What is a Deumu? (드므)
A Deumu is a large, round stone or ceramic water basin traditionally placed at the entrances of Korean palaces and noble residences. At first glance, it might seem like a simple water container, but its purpose is deeply rooted in Korean beliefs and practices.
🔥 Fire Prevention and Symbolism
In ancient Korea, where buildings were primarily constructed of wood, fire was a constant threat. The Deumu served a practical purpose: it was filled with water to be readily available in case of fire. However, beyond its practical use, the Deumu held symbolic meaning. Water, in Korean culture, is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. By placing a Deumu filled with water at the entrance, it was thought to protect the building from both physical fires and malevolent forces.
🐉 The Dragon Connection
Often, you'll find dragon motifs engraved on the Deumu. In East Asian cultures, dragons are associated with water and are considered protectors against fire. The presence of dragon carvings on the Deumu reinforces its role as a guardian, combining both practical and spiritual protection.
It's basically a fire prevention device, a type of traditional fire hydrant you could say, found typically in Korean palaces or wooden structures.
Since the palace buildings are made mostly of wood, they can catch fire easily. Now here's the fun part: according to Korean folklore, fire spirits would come close to set fire, but then they'd notice their reflection in the water inside this basin and say, "Wow, It looks so ugly!" Horrified by their own reflection, they'd run away immediately! Quite a unique way to scare off fires, isn't it?
But practically speaking, this basin actually stores water for emergencies. In the event of a real fire, people would quickly use the water inside to extinguish the flames.
So, remember, the Deumu is both a charming cultural story and a practical safety measure, uniquely combining belief and function!