Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Enhance Your World With Tikis

By Kevin Lewis


Most of us are aware of what a tiki is. Tikis are those large carved statues with really big faces and either garishly smiling or really scary expressions. They are often in restaurants or bars, and sometimes even in home landscapes. Perhaps we don't even give them a second thought, simply passing them by as just another thing to look at or part of the environment. It may be, however, that tikis can offer a bit more than simply being an inconsequential fixture. It may be that with the right perspective and an open minded approach tikis can actually enhance your world, brighten your outlook and provide you with enjoyment in your daily life.

"Why," you might say, "would I care about some tiki statue, or waste my time thinking about it?" Actually, unless you're one of those people who really dislike them, there are several reasons. First, Tikis are attractive, in a primitive sort of way. True, as statuary goes, they are pretty crude. It is, however, this very primitive crudeness that is part of their allure. Simple in design, yet powerful in their effect, tikis are suggestive of the Polynesian culture from long, long ago. The mystery and intrigue of ancient civilizations in exotic locations can be almost irresistible to the imagination.

Polynesian society raises another part of their appeal, -the interesting history of tikis, and their purpose to the general public from which they came. It is broadly believed that tiki statues are representations of "First Man," or the effective and religiously essential primordial being, himself a god. The tiki statues, then, were cut in different ways to appear as the divine force of war, the expert of agribusiness, the leader of creation and the leader of the ocean. In the event that the various heavenly beings were satisfied, they were said to genuinely move in to the statues, offering everyone quality of life, mighty power and peace.

Finally, tikis can function as a symbol to elicit vicarious tropical experiences. Everything associated with tiki society can offer help. One obviously doesn't need to live in a tropical or subtropical environment to experience fun and satisfaction regarding the tropical lifestyle. Tiki statues, tiki lodges, tiki bars, tiki lights and tiki parties, through their association with what some truly think is paradise, can offer a way to lessen stress, increase fulfillment and create an aura of beauty in any environment.

With so much going for them, in so many different ways, why would anyone NOT take advantage of them? Most tiki items are widely available, and generally very reasonably priced, allowing almost anyone to partake.

For those do-it-yourselfers, many tiki items can easily be made. Even tiki statues and tiki huts, though more challenging, can be made if one is willing to put in a bit of time and effort.

For those not so highly motivated, a tiki social event might be a basic way to start. A couple tiki lights, some island or tropical music and some potent rum drinks and you could be well on your way to a most pleasant "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to complete it.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment