You encounter him everywhere: the laughing man with the bald head and the fat belly, who is often called The Laughing Buddha or Fat-bellied Buddha. The Laughing Buddha is a nickname of the Chinese Zen master Poe-Tai Ho-shang, who lived sometime between the 6th and 10th centuries and found the Buddha within himself.

Carefree and completely happy, he wandered through China, often surrounded by children. After his death he was revered as a Chinese folk hero and god of luck. In the latter function he still wanders around, halfway around the world, as a tangible image of the carefree bliss that comes to everyone who has found his own true nature, the Buddha within himself. His long earlobes indicate an aristocratic origin. the attributes he carries are different and symbolic, these include:

*Mala (Bead Necklace): Buddhist prayer beads.
*Mantle: Protection.
*Gold Nugget and Coins: Symbol of financial luck.
*A bag: Symbol of search and travel (search for yourself)
*Peach: Symbol of connection.
*Children: Symbol of fertility (which can be in a relationship or job search)
*Rua: Symbol of abundance.
*Yoke over the Shoulder: Symbol of balance
*Pearl: Symbol of beauty and health.
*With bird: Symbol of self-knowledge.
*Range: Protection.
*Life Staff: Trust, Balance and Support.
*Jug (decanter): Elixir of Life (long life)

It is believed that if you occasionally rub Buddha's large belly, it will bring better luck.