‘Ho Tei’ also known as the ‘Happy Buddha’ or ‘Laughing Buddha’ can be seen in statue form in temples and houses all around the world. In China these statues are revered for numerous reasons and due to their prominent place in Chinese Buddhism they can be seen as a worldwide symbol of China.
 
 

        But as with most things in China, ‘Ho Tei’ has far deeper and more varied meanings than most people on the outside can imagine. The first and most popular misconception is that ‘Ho Tei’ is a statue cast in the image of Buddha, ‘Ho Tei’ isn’t Buddha he was really a monk of the T'ang Dynasty who traveled around the countryside bearing gifts and therefore in some places you’ll see him called the ‘Traveling Buddha’.
 
 
        However, due to the popular belief that he will be reincarnated he is also known as ‘Maitreya Buddha’, ‘Buddha of the future’ who will bring peace and harmony to the world!
        ‘Ho Tei’ figures can take many different forms for example, standing by a gold ingot symbolizing wealth; carrying or almost dragging, as if too heavy to carry, a mysterious large bag that may contain fortune such as gold or may contain a sort of remedy for salvation of mankind it’s purpose collecting unhappiness, poverty or misery of a kind; or surrounded by smiling children symbolizing offspring   in    family   for   those who wish   an
  everlasting chain of descendants, or eternal youth symbolizing longevity and good health.

        All these figures are seen with happy smile and with a round belly that symbolize a good life in Chinese traditional custom. ‘Ho Tei’ is a wonderful and auspicious symbol of good luck, happiness, longevity, prosperity and unbroken chain of long descendants. Also in Chinese custom it is believed that rubbing its belly will bring this luck and prosperity to bear.