History of Hotei

probably the most widely-recognized outside of Japan. He carries a large cloth bag over his back which never empties, for he uses it to help the poor and needy. Indeed, the Japanese spelling of 'Ho Tei' literally means 'cloth bag.'

He also holds a Chinese fan called an oogi, said to be a 'wish giving' fan. In the distant past, this type of fan was used by the aristocracy to indicate to vassals that their requests would be granted. Hotei is based on an eccentric Chinese Zen beggar priest, said to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Miroku (Maitreya in Sanskrit).

Hotei is sometimes shown surrounded by a group of small children, romping and squealing in delight around his rotund shape. In recent times, Hotei is also referred to as the patron saint of restaurateurs and bartenders. When one over eats and over drinks, one may sometimes jokingly attribute it to Hotei's influence.

Hotei is the God of Contentment & Happiness. In the West, he is known as the Laughing Buddha or Fat Buddha. His Chinese name is Me Li Fa, Budai, or Putai. He is said to be the incarnation of Miroku Bosatsu. He is also one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods.

The god of contentment and happiness, Hotei has a cheerful face and a big belly. He is supposedly the only member of the seven based on an actual person, and he is also