Home and Garden Decorating Ideas

Decorative Concrete Pots

March 19, 2009 · Leave a Comment

 

Decorative concrete pots and concrete garden planters can enhance and beautify the home and garden landscape environment. CoConcrete Garden Urnsncrete garden pots are very versatile in that they can be used in many different applications, for example in the patio, courtyard, poolside, deck, stone walls and the garden. Concrete pots are heavy and bring a sense of permanency and focal point to the décor. 

For many homeowners, the patio or the deck becomes an area to relax a quiet weekend or entertain guests at that summer barbeque.  Decorating the patio with concrete pots makes the atmosphere refreshing and pleasing. The courtyard is another area where large concrete pots can be used to create a central or focal point of décor.

 

Many landscape desiContemporary Bell Garden Potgners use a stone wall in their designs for both functional as well as for aesthetic reasons. Stone walls that adjoin the house also extend and add to the architecture. While stone walls bring their own sense of permanent beauty to the garden, adding decorative garden pots on stone walls can bring a touch of elegance to enhance the garden environment. Entrance walls, for example, mark the point of arrival and a pair of decorative concrete pots can be used here to create a warm welcoming area.

 

There is a Estate Concrete Potwide spectrum of co

ncrete landscaping planters and garden pots are available suitable for any application. The concrete garden pots come in many decorative styles in both classic and contemporary designs and colors to suit your individual decorative accent. The choice of concrete pots includes garden Oriental Round Garden Poturns with decorative accents and garden bowls that offer a wide planting area. Create a refreshing décor with interesting approaches to your patio, courtyard, poolside or the garden with a combination of concrete pots different sizes to build a themed area.

 

The swimming pool environment can be enhanced by adding Decorative Poolside Potssuitable mood lighting and lining the poolside with concrete pots. Another interesting idea is to create an exciting area by the poolside with a rock or stone garden together with a collection of decorative concrete pots of different sizes distributed it.

 

http://www.kaccents.com
Written by John R. for Kaccents.com
© 2009 Kaccents.com, All Rights Reserved.
Email csr@kaccents.com

 

 

 

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Make Your Foyers Speak for You

November 14, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Large tapestries create an opulence and add a focal point to a space that can afford its presence.

Large tapestries create an opulence and add a focal point to a space that can afford its presence.

It is normal for first time guests to size the manner in which the foyer reaches out to them when they make their entry through the front door since the foyer “creates” and “awakens” the first time impressions. This is after all the entry into someone’s home and sets the limelight for what lies ahead in the house.

A large foyer would demand a certain ambience since the audience may expect the large space available filled with a myriad of accessories that add a pleasant and enchanting reach. A guest stepping into a home with a large foyer liberally sizes up the elements that make up that space which is contained by the look of the floor, the wall spaces, and the lighting details and molding that decorate the ceiling. For those looking at southwestern or even Gaelic décor, the use of tiles could effectively add to a decorative presence. Tiles can be used in varying patterns to create effects and the resulting color and form can do wonders in making your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Floor tiles can take a checkered form in a modern or classic context or be created in a delightful fluid manner that plays the use of the accessories and furniture placements for a classy and seamless appeal.  For those homes that do not contain a foyer but a hallway from the entrance, try using tasteful accessories and furniture to brighten the look of the place. Avoid dull and dark colors that constrain the look of a narrow hallway. Choose colorful tiling and decorative accents and even plants complemented with inviting candle wall sconces to usher in your guests with a welcome. 

Here are some ideas on making the foyers work for you:
 
1. Store away the Unsightly Personal Belongings
Do not use the foyer as a holding area for you to display unsightly belongings like your umbrellas, shoes and even coats. Most of us tend to treat the foyers as the area where you “clean up” before you proceed to the interior of the home. The foyer is truly the room that creates the welcome statement for the home and should be a treated as the room that heralds your guests officially to the rest of your home. Hence, try to change the use of the foyer as a utilitarian room and use it to make a glowing statement of your personality and charm as a host or hostess. This is the area of the house where you would not like to be caught with unsightly personal effects when a guest suddenly comes by unannounced.

2. Project Home Accessories That Create Interest and Magnifies Impact
Depending on your style, you can present your foyers with classic formality or make it cozy with warm furnishings that are personal such as large pictures of your family and children or unique paintings that add color and pleasantry. Use large sculptures and rugs to capture interest with large foyer spaces while marble and tiled floors can be used to add continuous flow to your adjoining rooms. Add creative tiles that emphasize character and color; some home owners may use wall tiles to simulate the grand aura of the majestic palaces and churches which adds drama and heightens the expectations of the guests. Even simple checkered tiling floors can be finely tuned to usher in the switch to neighboring hardwood floored or carpeted rooms.

3. Use Architectural Details That Spark Interest
Architectural details like fragments, molds, trimmings and embellishments make a statement for the foyers and hallways. Use roman styled columns which add elegance and culture to a space and brackets that complement towards a striking style of your own. If you have an eye for shopping and scouting for the best pieces, try creating unique forms of detailing using architectural salvage. Abandoned wood highlighting the effects of time and metal grilles or frames can sometimes set the creative flow as you discover means in enhancing its look for placement in a section of your foyer. These are abandoned pieces which lived through the test of time and will surely evoke a creative spirit of some kind. You can use them as table centerpieces or even create them for use as a wall decor pieces. The idea behind the use of such architectural pieces is to create a distinct visual impact that goes far in leaving your guests with compliments and a warm stay, cherished and remembered for the original pieces they see.

4. Choose Colors that Set the Theme and Mood
Every room needs color to lift its spirit and create harmony with its surroundings. Color becomes a very determinant factor in tying in the look of your accessories and furnishings throughout the living space. Use color to match the theme you set for the room and you use it with imagination and passion. Decide on a color palette when choosing your color codes for the room and use the colors to enhance the mood, texture and ambience for your room. Color choices are very personal; some of us prefer earthy hues for the foyer while others may choose contrasting colors that achieve visual comparison against the surrounding accessories. For instance, you could display a selection of home accessories which are subtly finished against a darker and warmer colored wall to allow for visual intensity and impact. This then ensures that lightly colored home accessories are appreciated better against the deeper colors that it blends against.

5. The Essentials of Lighting for your Foyer
The impact of lighting for your foyers cannot be stressed enough; the element of light sets a passage for a mood and is one of the essential factors for interior design decorating and planning for the foyers. Imagine the flicker of a candle light sconce or that emitted by a large chandelier which results in a response that is emotional and justifying to the soul. Whether you use table lamps, sconces, or natural forms of lighting, the impact of lighting adds and enhances the appeal of the senses coordinating with the rest of the furnishings to produce a tasteful and gratifying response towards a greater appreciation of the focal points of the room. Focus your lighting to add soft warmth, to highlight a beautiful painting or artwork or use lighting to create an impact. For instance, a chandelier will most surely add a statement of opulence for a large foyer with large spaces to share. 

The art of entertaining certainly involves more than just making your friends comfortable with a good meal and a delightful conversation with hugs and expensive wine to complement the palate. It also involves making their stay at your home even in the few hours made available, a memorable one. While fostering a good relationship and engaging in social skills might be a great way of boosting human ties, your friends may rate you based on the manner in which they are received and the surroundings they are immersed in. The foyer is the setting that beckons the depth of your home to your guests and should be treated as the harbinger of what lies ahead for your eager visitors since good reception begins with a good visual and emotional display that evokes the senses leaving a timeless memory of time well spent in your home.

 

Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Good Luck Charms and the Three Legged Pigs

November 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment

These adorable three legged pigs have aroused interest and curiousity.

These adorable three legged pigs have aroused interest and curiousity.

I am sure many of us may hold some form of curiosity over the three legged pig statues that we may see on the desk of a friend or colleague or as part of the lovely garden ornaments carried by a neighbor. The creation of the three legged pig or Chanchitos pig originates from a village in Pomaire, Chile and it is the custom of that place to offer a three legged pig as a gift for a friend or family and for ushering good luck and good will. Tourism has probably ushered in interest over the curiously contrived pig statue since the availability of this strange little pig for purchase, usually in the form of clay or ceramic, is a commonplace item offered in most shops across the village. Whatever the bearing it offers, Chanchitos pigs have already descended into the hearts and minds of curious Americans who find it not only a humorous piece of sculpture for stirring interest into a garden but has also set aside interest for those looking to collect unique and delightful good luck charms for the home and garden.
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Shopping for the Right Container or Planter

November 6, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Garden Urns offer a classic approach to container gardening.Container gardening can be a creative and artistic process, allowing you flexibility in the manner you present your florals and foliage. Best of all, containers allow you flexibility to move your plants around to places where you can show them off and even bring them into the home when the weather gets colder. The vast number of containers available allows you to create unique designs and settings for your garden as you present unique clusters of foliage and florals in different sized pots and containers to bring out symmetry and beauty in your landscape. And containers can be made of virtually of any form or material as long as they allow for good water retention while of course allowing excess drainage.

Garden containers can be both decorative and functional. Here are some ideas to look for when shopping for the right planter or container for your garden:

1. Determine Design Requirements for Your Pots and Containers
Having a good landscaping design is central towards establishing an inviting use of your pots and containers. For those who love the look of contemporary and modern designs, try using metallic containers and planters with clean geometric designs. These days, garden planters come in a beautiful range of finishes to match your decorative needs. So, a fiberglass planter and urn can also take its form with a “metallic” appeal with the right finish chosen such as color akin towards wrought iron or bronze. Those who are more towards classical appeal might consider the use of Tuscan styled urns and Roman garden urns and containers which set an attractive use of your plants and florals amidst the scenery and landscape. Pots and containers come in many attractive sizes and shapes. Mix and match them to create unique focal points for your garden.

2. Choose Containers that are of the Right Size
To make this possible, it is necessary for you to be familiar with the space that will contain the planter or container. Large spaces can of course invite generously sized containers which will hold big leafy plants or wide growing plants but if the space is small, please use reasonably sized containers that do not affect the balance of your space. Also, avoid the use of planting large overbearing plants and foliage in small planters. The perfect container must be able to hold the right amount of container mix needed for your plants and flowers to sustain their nutrition throughout the season until you are ready to repot them.

3. Know the Materials Used for Your Pots and Containers
Oftentimes, the material used in the creation of garden planters and containers can be important factors in nurturing the growth patterns of your plants and flowers. For instance, metal and terracotta planters can tend to dry out a plant during the hot season, making it necessary for frequent watering events while concrete and cement planters can sometimes destroy the growth of plants which thrive on acidic soil such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Wooden planters are great choices but they are prone to rot over time and have to be replaced every few years. Fiberglass containers are inviting solutions since they are lighter for use and tend to retain water better for your plants than metal or terracotta containers.

4. Consider the Drainage of your Pots and Containers
Drainage is important for any gardener looking to encourage healthy root growth and top-growth. Some pots and containers already come with pre-drilled holes for allowing aeration and drainage. As a consideration, make sure your drainage holes in the pots are at least 0.5” in diameter.

5. Know the Shape of Your Container
There are certain pots and containers which truly do well on their own without any plantings. Some of these plants are usually used to add a balance to a quiet corner or set as an accessory for effect such as a centerpiece to the beginning of your courtyard. Do not use containers that come with small openings at the top usually shaped in the form of a vessel or containers which come with narrow bases since they can be easily tipped over with a strong gust of wind. These are not good for healthy plantings since they do not offer aeration and allow even distribution of the water to the roots. Such containers are best used for decorative reasons and can be cleverly coordinated with the other plantings to create a form and texture that is dramatic and appealing.

Container gardening is certainly refreshing since it allows you to vary and create new looks for your garden. You have the choice of experimenting with window box planters to dress your windows or plain garages and even using a container to combine several plantings for ornamental effect. Herb and tulip plantings do beautifully in a shallow planter while a hanging wire basket can spruce off healthy cabbage plantings for all to admire. The potential for creating effects with the range of pots and containers available is simply tremendous and gratifying. What is needed is simply a creative imagination and a knack for making the unusual happen. For those who have a penchant for originality, try devising a container garden that uses unique forms of planters for dramatic effect and set them in areas where you wish them to command attention such as the entrance to a courtyard, deck or even a porch.
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Inviting the Coastal Theme to the Gardens

October 14, 2008 · 1 Comment

Add fountains that have a coastal or nautical theme.

Add fountains that have a coastal or nautical theme.

The coastal appeal is becoming a favorite among many home dwellers perhaps because it lends towards a more naturalistic and soothing appeal to the human eye. For those looking to imbibe the look of the coastal flair to the home, you can be sure that the appeal engages a haven and retreat welcomed after a hard day’s work with a generous amount of sunlight and an airy relaxed setting. If you are looking to accent the garden with a coastal décor, water features are central to this theme. Water adds that magical element to the garden bringing life to the garden as well as soothing sounds created by the inclusion of water features like fountains and ponds. Here are some ideas for creating and ushering the coastal look to your gardens:

1. Choose Coastal Bird Statues
Coastal birds are vital towards promoting the coastal look and they do nicely both indoors and

Introduce coastal themed birds to complement your garden decor.

Introduce coastal themed birds to complement your garden decor.

outdoors. Ideally, the coastal birds will help speed that coastal theme and you can consider the addition of shorebirds, herons, cranes and pelicans as beautiful considerations for the coastal garden. Some of these statues are available in resin but they can also be created in expensive brass or bronze.

2. Add a Water Feature to the Garden
Consider water features like a pond or fountain for the garden that enhances stillness or movement for the garden. Some home owners may also go as far as adding waterfalls to enhance this theme. Many home owners can also consider using fountain statuary that add a theme of the coastal atmosphere such as crane fountain spitters, dolphin spitters or even children fountain statues like that of a little girl using her watering can by the pond will add to a soothing child like appeal for the garden. Crane fountain spitters are by far popular additions since they not only symbolize loyalty and love but also demonstrate grace and an aesthetic addition to the garden that many relate homeowners to. Other considerations include the use of fish and mermaid pond spitters that add some mystical appeal.

3. Include a Bird Feeder
Bird feeders stimulate the interest of birds and add a welcoming feel to the garden. Because they are highly sighted near ponds and coastal regions, the inclusion of a bird feeder adds an interest for the coastal theme. There are many bird feeders that include unique designs that add the look of the fish or a lighthouse appeal.

Add mood lighting to enhance areas within the garden which can be appreciated.

Add mood lighting to enhance areas within the garden which can be appreciated.

4. Add Garden Statuary that Enhance the Coastal Theme
Many garden statues are available that contribute to the look of the coastal theme and they could include adorable children statues that come with pails and spades to add to the look of the beach theme to cherubs that engage in water play such as cupid statues or even a set of cherub statues that celebrate the seasons will subtly add to a natural and soothing theme for the garden. For the gardens that can accommodate the look of the life size statuary, choose unique Greek or Roman statues that celebrate the natural elements like King Neptune with his trident for a stately and graceful appeal to feminine forms such as Venus the Bather and Rebecca at the Well statues.
The look of the coastal is limitless and lends to much imagination and creativity. And while you spend a lot of time decorating your garden with these beautiful statues and water features, use appropriate lighting methods to enhance and extend the beauty and time you can spend in your coastal garden. Add lighting for practical and safety reasons to guide and protect you as you make your way towards relaxing in your lawn or patios, and enhance the beauty of your projected areas with mood lighting that pleasures the look of the inviting accents while keeping down the less inviting areas. 
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Using Cherubs to Supplement a Tuscan Décor Theme

October 13, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Add the angelic look of a cherub corbel.

Add the angelic look of a cherub corbel.

Cherubs and puttis have inspired much of the decorative designs for many of the European styles from the richly ornamented details from the Baroque period to the playful soothing styles of the Rococo era and has been a hallmark feature in much of the Victorian and Tuscan decorating styles. The Tuscan décor which is an Italian inspired decorative perspective influenced through the use of earthly and naturalistic hues and enhanced through the use of natural materials such as plaster, terracotta and ceramic tiles, use cherubs or puttis as decorative motifs for wall décor tilings and reliefs. When selecting cherub wall plaques and reliefs, use colors or finishes which are directed towards more natural and gentle shades like yellow, green, light orange, distressed white to grey finishes or green. Cherubs are also dominant in the garden where they are enchanting additions for a lifestyle that is directed towards a relaxing and rural setting. Hence, the use of season cherubs defining the winter,

Add an earthy element using cherub plaques with the use of Tuscan style finishes.

Add an earthy element using cherub plaques with the use of Tuscan style finishes.

spring, summer and fall seasons may be a welcome providing emphasis on a natural appeal to the elements of weather. Cherub and putti designs are also very prominent on Tuscan inspired pots and urns where the look of the celestial adds a sense of tradition and elegance.

Written by Elaine T. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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The Beauty of Bronze Cat Statues

October 10, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Cats were highly revered in Ancient Egypt.

Cats were highly revered in Ancient Egypt.

For those who love the look of beautiful sculptures and who love cats, you might not want to miss the elegance of this metal used in the creation of bronze cat sculptures. Cats are feline creatures which inspire many a home and were deeply worshipped by many ancient civilizations. These beautiful creatures are also one of the oldest domesticated animals known to mankind next to dogs. Their place in the ancient Egyptian civilization as recorded about 4,000 years ago is legendary and history even dictates that laws were passed on by the Egyptian court that banned the killing of cats because of the religious symbolism they carried. Cats were also preserved and mummified and excavations have revealed these forms in the tombs of pharaohs. Egyptian civilization also recorded paintings in tombs which highlighted that cats were used to ward off evil and served as guardians and protectors for the home dweller. Due to the belief and reverence for the cat, ancient Egyptian

Bronze renders fluidity in the creation of lovely bronze sculptures like cats.

Bronze renders fluidity in the creation of lovely bronze sculptures like cats.

celebrated the cat as having a Godly status and the first known Egyptian Goddesses Bastet and Sekhmet were highly represented in this ancient society. Today, the Egyptian cat continues to inspire the artworks and sculptures of today and many statues of cats inspire the look of a home and garden. In our range of bronze sculptures, we feature lovely selections of bronze cat statues that capture the lithe and grace of one of the favorite domesticated animals known to us. Always ensure that your bronze sculptures are produced through the lost wax process to ensure the casting of quality bronze statues and sculptures.
Written by Elaine T. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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The Importance of Having a School Mascot

October 10, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Cougars are often chosen for use as mascots due to their prowess and lithe persona.

Cougars are often chosen for use as mascots due to their prowess and lithe persona.

Mascots continue to be popular and important symbols for many organizations, sports teams, schools and military. Institutions typically reference a person, object or animal as a mascot and focus on this particular symbol for good luck and guidance. For instance, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has used the bulldog as its mascot since 1922 while the US military references the bald eagle as its mascot.

Many schools, both elementary and high school, tend to adopt an animal as their mascot and the use of eagles, falcons, bears, lions, tigers, gators, cougars and even dragons are most popular. A school that adopts a mascot places importance on its symbolic characteristics as setting a purpose and vision unifying a cause in the common interest of the school. Our society is diverse composing of people from many ethnic and religious origins. The introduction of a mascot fosters and builds unity among the student population by focusing on the positive behavioral features and attributes that the mascot displays and highlight this energy towards achieving the goals and objectives set by the school. We use the mascot to make us think alike and in many ways, that has led to many positive and creditable achievements. However, the task of determining a common mascot all can relate to, can be initially daunting but it is always good to take a vote to decide which mascot works well for the school since the mascot will be a permanent part of the school’s social life.

Bulldogs are common mascots for schools and even the US Marine Corps.

Bulldogs are common mascots for schools and even the US Marine Corps.

Eagles are also widely used for their theme of freedom.

Eagles are also widely used for their theme of freedom.

The mascot is also the integrating force for major events in school especially sporting events that call for unity among the student and teacher population. This symbol is often boldly displayed on school sports wear and all school memorabilia as well as the school year books, adorned in the school office and the areas where students may commune as a common body such as the gym or even resting rooms. In major sporting events between schools, it is common to have a costumed mascot to harness the cheer of the crowd for the school team involved in the event. In such events, the mascot may inject interest and cheer the team towards winning by engaging the interests of the rest of the students, parents and teachers into joining in. It is also common sight to see the costumed mascot work with the cheerleaders in engaging a rousing performance with acrobatic stances and humorous pitches to motivate the team to winning.

Written by Elaine T. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved
Email csr@kaccents.com if you are seeking a specific animal for a mascot.

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Infusing your Decorative Style with Architectural Elements

October 8, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Greek and Roman plaques highlight a historical appeal with sometimes intense imagery.

Greek and Roman plaques highlight a historical appeal with sometimes intense imagery.

Architectural elements add a compelling story and a tale of fancy to the home, setting an appeal for the home dwellers who value character and comfort in their own personal sanctuary. Architectural elements also tend to give you a chance to express yourself, to create your own story in your rooms using the tools and designs of the past to add flavor with style drummed up with your thirst for passion. These decorative accents can simply be introduced by adding a bracket or two, using wall friezes or wall fragments or juxtaposing a myriad of objects around the room to create distinctive style. And the marketplace is simply replete with outstanding selections of architectural elements from resin and stone moldings, trims and fixtures to beautifully styled embellishments that capture a little of the historical past. Notably, these architectural elements are not expensive or time consuming additions and they are easily installed.

Architectural elements tend to formalize the room by creating a refreshing addition to the room and adding an attractive makeover. Fragments for instance, can add depth and personality to a space, heralding the significant theme or objects of a historical era or past and thereby sustaining a timeless appeal. Columns are another form of architectural elements that can create a passageway to another room setting a demarcation as you make your entry into another room created with a décor style that might differ from the previous. Columns can be used in many ways. They can add a glorious statement to a specific area in your room drawing attention to a niche that holds a beautiful fragment such as a pottery or sculpture or be used to hold a bust or accessory. Large Greek columns can of course be used to create distinction in a room by setting a classical statement – the presence of the geometric designs of Greek and Roman columns which continue to inspire the foundation of many beautiful homes in the United States as they do overseas, will continue to set a dramatic and beautiful impression wherever they reside.

Architectural elements include wall fragments that tell of the influence of a past.

Architectural elements include wall fragments that tell of the influence of a past.

As you surround yourself with architectural elements and familiarize with the look, texture and workmanship of such objects, you should gradually develop a knack for choosing the appropriate element for your home. You will suddenly know where the bracket looks more appealing or if a large vase would better amplify the look of your niche rather than a fragment or if a wall mural might make a better fit in the place designated. One eventually develops a visual eye that skillfully ties in the various elements into a cohesive and balanced form, enriching and beautifying your space with a glow and harnessing your pride in your accomplishments. Decorating and experimenting with architectural elements can be fun and certainly, rewarding as you sit back and admire your accomplishments in creating the makeover to your rooms. However, I’d like to suggest some caution. Refrain from over indulging in your architectural elements and know your space intimately so that you do not clutter nor leave a place too bare and lacking in imagination. Too much architectural elements can also undoubtedly formalize your room and make it too serious and impersonal. Shop for what works for your home and also consider these applications for outdoor use. Some of these architectural elements like finials and fragments can do dramatic effects to your garden walls and conservatories adding a comfortable and sometimes, story-like appeal which will leave your guests in complete admiration.

Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Ho Tai Statues for Wealth and Prosperity

October 6, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Ho Tai was often seen holding a cloth sack with candy.

Ho Tai was often seen holding a cloth sack with candy.

Ho Tai, also known as Ho Tei in Japan or the Laughing Buddha (Happy Buddha), is not to be mistaken with Siddharta Gautama Buddha “the enlightened one”, the original Buddha who started Buddhism. Ho Tai or popularly known as the Laughing Buddha referenced a jolly Chinese Buddhist monk named Budaishi who was said to have lived over one thousand years ago and who has been incorporated into the Shinto Buddhism in Japan. Historical records highlight him as a jolly fat monk who always carried a bag full of candies to please the children and credits him as the God of Contentment and Happiness. In Japan, he is seen as one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, an incarnation of Maitreya (the Future Buddha).

Ho Tai is important in the practice of Feng Shui and he is thought to direct positive energy flow. Businesses usually display a form of the Happy Buddha with his fat belly to improve sales and usher in good fortune. It is said that rubbing the belly of the Laughing Buddha will render one wealth and prosperity. Others suggest that his rather rotund and heavy belly is a symbol for a bountiful harvest. Sculptures of the Laughing Buddha (also known as Fat Buddha) or Ho Tai usually depict the monk surrounded by children capturing the monk’s intense love for children. The Laughing Buddha is also seen with a Chinese fan known as an “oogi” which was used by Chinese royalty to beckon the granting of the wishes of their subjects. The Laughing Buddha is notably seen in

Used to bring in wealth and good luck

Used to bring in wealth and good luck

a variety of poses that procure meaning and many images of him in seated, sleeping, dancing and walking forms have been recorded. Ho Tai is also shown with a begging bowl that represents affirmation to his Buddhist faith and is always seen carrying a cloth or linen sack which is never empty. The idea of the Laughing Buddha with a happy and jolly smile as well as a round full belly highlights Ho Tai Buddha’s desire to take pain away from those who believe in him leaving them with wealth and prosperity. Many Feng Shui believers may keep a statue of the Happy Buddha or Ho Tai in their premises with the hope that he will usher in wealth and prosperity into their households or business establishments while taking away any form of misfortune and bad luck that might prevail.
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved

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