Enjoying 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 may think, "who cares?" Tikis are just designs that a few bars use to spruce up the place. Really, unless you truly, simply don't care for them (yes, there are some individuals that don't), there are a few reasons.

First, tikis look cool, in a really basic and simple sort of way. True, compared to other kinds of statues, they are pretty crude. It is, however, this very basic simplicity that makes them so cool. Without being as polished as a marble figure from a renaissance master, they still have a very powerful effect. Tikis are part of the Polynesian culture from a long time ago. The thought of those ancient times and what their tikis represented to them really captures the mind.

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.

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 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 the industrious among you, most tiki items can be made at home. Even tiki statues and tiki huts can be made with a bit of time and effort.

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 some of these ideas will help you think about tikis with new appreciation. Good luck, and consider adding a bit of tiki to your life.




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