Laughing Buddha

The celestial Buddha named Hotei (in Japanese) or Budai is best known as the jolly Laughing Buddha. His large protruding stomach and jolly smile have given him the commondesignation "Laughing Buddha" in Chinese. In the west he is popularly known as "Fat Buddha." His name means "Cloth Sack," and comes from the bag that he carries. In China, he is known as the Loving or Friendly One. Laughing Buddha statues depict a stout, smiling or laughing bald man in robes with a largely exposed pot belly stomach, which symbolizes happiness, good luck, and plenitude and is often depicted as having the appearance of an amply proportioned bald man wearing a robe and wearing or otherwise carrying prayer beads. Laughing Buddha appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of contentment. His image graces many temples, restaurants, amulets, and businesses. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. According to legend, if one rubs the Laughing Buddha's great belly, it brings forth wealth, good luck, and prosperity.