When was the last time you remember actually thinking about a tiki? When was the last time you even remember seeing one? Tikis, especially if you live in an area that has a lot of them, become something taken for granted. Tikis really can offer a bit more than simply being part of the environment. Sometimes looking at things in a different way, you can open your eyes to the idea that tikis can actually be a lot of fun, can make your home or living space more interesting and give you joy in your daily life.
You may be thinking "Who cares? Tikis are just some things that businesses use to spruce up a place, but no one really notices. They just fade into the background." Well, unless you are one of those people who really dislike them (yes there are some people that don't) I think there are some good reasons to give them some attention.
First, tikis just look cool, in a sort of rudimentary way. While perhaps not as polished and elegant as a marble masterpiece from the Renaissance, they never the less can have a striking and powerful effect. Tikis emerged from ancient Polynesian culture from an era long past. The thought of those ancient times and exotic tropical locales can certainly capture one's mind in reverie.
Polynesian culture is a vast and interesting subject unto itself, and worthy of study for those interested. For the purposes of this article, however, it will be sufficient to understand that tiki statues represent the "First Man." It was thought that the "First Man" was, himself, a god and that all Hawaiian people descended from him. There were other gods as well, typically including the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. When a tiki statue was created, if the god it represented was pleased he would actually inhabit the statue and provide strength, power and protection to the people.
Vicarious experience can be another important aspect to consider about tikis. A tiki can be a colorful and effective stimulus to help us enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the tropics vicariously. Tiki statues are not the only things that can provide this stimulus. Tiki huts, tiki bars, tiki lights, tiki torches and tiki parties, or luaus, can all provide that same gateway to a mental paradise, if we will become aware of it, and simply allow it to happen.
With so many fun and exciting things going for them, why would anyone ignore them? Why not put a little tiki into your life? All these tiki items seem to be available just about everywhere, and are usually inexpensive.
For do-it-yourselfers, lots of tiki items can be made. Tiki statues and tiki huts might be a little harder and more involved, but even they can be made if one is willing to take a little time and put in some work.
For those not quite so highly motivated, a tiki party might be a good way to start. Most things for a tiki party are really easy to get and give you really great effects for very little expense.
I hope that some of these ideas can help you take a fresh view of tikis and how much fun they can be. Best of luck and I hope tikis can bring you wonderful enjoyment!
You may be thinking "Who cares? Tikis are just some things that businesses use to spruce up a place, but no one really notices. They just fade into the background." Well, unless you are one of those people who really dislike them (yes there are some people that don't) I think there are some good reasons to give them some attention.
First, tikis just look cool, in a sort of rudimentary way. While perhaps not as polished and elegant as a marble masterpiece from the Renaissance, they never the less can have a striking and powerful effect. Tikis emerged from ancient Polynesian culture from an era long past. The thought of those ancient times and exotic tropical locales can certainly capture one's mind in reverie.
Polynesian culture is a vast and interesting subject unto itself, and worthy of study for those interested. For the purposes of this article, however, it will be sufficient to understand that tiki statues represent the "First Man." It was thought that the "First Man" was, himself, a god and that all Hawaiian people descended from him. There were other gods as well, typically including the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. When a tiki statue was created, if the god it represented was pleased he would actually inhabit the statue and provide strength, power and protection to the people.
Vicarious experience can be another important aspect to consider about tikis. A tiki can be a colorful and effective stimulus to help us enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the tropics vicariously. Tiki statues are not the only things that can provide this stimulus. Tiki huts, tiki bars, tiki lights, tiki torches and tiki parties, or luaus, can all provide that same gateway to a mental paradise, if we will become aware of it, and simply allow it to happen.
With so many fun and exciting things going for them, why would anyone ignore them? Why not put a little tiki into your life? All these tiki items seem to be available just about everywhere, and are usually inexpensive.
For do-it-yourselfers, lots of tiki items can be made. Tiki statues and tiki huts might be a little harder and more involved, but even they can be made if one is willing to take a little time and put in some work.
For those not quite so highly motivated, a tiki party might be a good way to start. Most things for a tiki party are really easy to get and give you really great effects for very little expense.
I hope that some of these ideas can help you take a fresh view of tikis and how much fun they can be. Best of luck and I hope tikis can bring you wonderful enjoyment!
About the Author:
If you're really interested in tikis be sure to read the article"How To Carve A Tiki Statue." Another way to experience that tropical feel of Polynesia might be with your own landscape. If that sounds appealing, check out How To Create A Tropical Paradise With Your Landscape.
