Monday, August 1, 2016

Valuing The Tiki Lifestyle

By Kevin Lewis


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 might think, "who cares?" Tikis are just decorations some businesses use to dress things up a bit. Actually, unless you really just don't like them (yes, there are some people that don't), there are several reasons.

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 an expansive, rich and fascinating topic, well worthy of study for those so inclined. For our purposes, within the context of this article, suffice it to say that tiki statues represent "First Man." It is generally believed that "First Man," himself a god, was the progenitor of all Hawaiian people. Other deities included the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and god of the sea. When tiki sculptures were made, the god whose likeness it represented would actually embody the sculpture, if pleased with it, giving good fortune and peace to all people.

Another factor is that tikis can help us vicariously experience the tropics. One doesn't need to live in Hawaii to experience the wonder and beauty of a Polynesian paradise. This vicarious experience isn't limited to just tiki statues, either. Tiki cabins, tiki bars, tiki lights and tiki parties, because of their association with this intriguing and unusual culture, can help bring that paradise into your life.

With all these great advantages, what's not to like! Why not put a little tiki in your life? Most of the tiki items discussed herein are easy to find, and most are fairly cheap.

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 ambitious, a tiki party may be an easy and fun way to start. Usually tiki party items are cheap, easy to get and give you a lot of "bang for the buck."

Hopefully this article will help you reconsider the value and potential of those seemingly ubiquitous elements of Polynesian culture, the tikis. Good fortunes and I hope tikis can help make your days a little brighter.




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