Budai The Laughing Buddha

Budai is traditionally depicted with big belly, bald monk wearing a robe or otherwise carrying prayer beads. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. He is often depicted entertaining or being followed by adoring children. His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of contentment.

According to Chinese history, Budai was an eccentric monk who lived in China. He was known as a man of good and loving character. Budai in folklore is admired for his happiness, plenitude, and wisdom of contentment. One belief popular in folklore maintains that rubbing his belly brings wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

A statue of Maitreya Buddha in Budai form in Taiwan

In Japan, Hotei persists in folklore as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. In popular culture, Benihana's famous figural "tiki mugs" for exotic cocktails, the most common of which depicts Hotei, have become collectible. Overall, for a figure that looks laughing and is considered as a sign of happiness, content, prosperity and generosity. Budai remains a great inspiration to many.

Do you find Budai exciting? comment away.

Horse Symbolism & Meaning

The horse is a universal symbol of freedom without restraint, riding a horse made people feel they could free themselves from their own bindings. While present in several cultures, the horse represents the same concepts of freedom and power, Elegance, journey & victory.

The symbolism of horse shows us a majestic and magical animal, holding wisdom and messages spoken telepathically ~ she feels your energy, she senses your nature, you must earn her trust, when you do she will take you to faraway places...lands of enchantment, wonder and awe

By Presley Love.

Hawaiian Princess on Horse - Aloha Festival 2016

The Hawaiian Sea Turtle

The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known as “Honu,” symbolizes good luck, endurance and long life. Turtles can show up as a person's guardian spirit, known as “Aumakua.” When lost, turtles are excellent navigators and often find their way home.
The green sea turtle aka the green turtle, black (sea) turtle, or Pacific green turtle, is a large sea turtle. Named for the green color of its fat rather than the color of its skin or shell as most people think. These turtles’ shells are in fact olive to black. The green sea turtle habitat extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The common name comes from the usually green fat found beneath its carapace.
This sea turtle's flattened body is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace; it has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. The adults usually reside shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of sea grasses. The turtles bite off the tips of the blades of sea grass, which keeps the grass healthy. A truly majestic creature.

Green sea turtle swimming