The Laughing Buddha

 

In China Maitreya is known as "the laughing Buddha" and is usually represented as a rotund figure with a happy disposition. His Chinese name is Pu-tai Ho-shang or "Hemp-bag monk". He is originally a fertility figure who was known to bring "goodies" in his bag to local townsfolk, especially children. Later, he became a pre-incarnation of Maitreya. In Japan he is called Hotei and is one of the seven lucky gods.

Most people encounter this figure in Chinese shops and restaurants and confuse him for the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The common tradition is to rub his belly for good luck and prosperity, this is because his big figure is a sign of abundance.