Enhance Your World With Tikis
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 may say, "would I consider some tiki statue, or waste my time contemplating it?" Actually, unless you're one of those people who really despise them, there are a couple reasons. To begin with, tikis are appealing, in a primitive sort of way. As statuary goes, they are very harsh. It is, regardless, this outstandingly primitive harshness that is a bit of their appeal. Bold in form, yet extreme in their effect, tikis are suggestive of the Polynesian culture from much, much earlier. The riddle and mystique of old locales in charming regions can be overpowering to the imaginative mind.
Polynesian culture brings up another facet of their appeal, -the fascinating history of tikis, and their meaning to the peoples from which they emerged. It is widely considered that tiki statues are artistic representations of "First Man," or the powerful and religiously significant primordial ancestor, himself a deity. The tiki statues then were carved in various forms typically representing the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. If the various gods were pleased with their likenesses, they were said to actually inhabit the sculpture, offering the people strength, power and protection.
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 such an extraordinary measure of things going for them, in such an assortment of different ways, why not consider them? Most tiki-related things are extensively available and not overly expensive, allowing pretty much anyone to partake.
For those do-it-yourselfers, various tiki things can, without too much of a stretch, be made. Undoubtedly, even tiki statues and tiki houses, however requiring a little more work, can be made if one will put in a touch of time and effort.
For those not quite so ambitious, a tiki party might be an easy way to start. A few tiki torches, some island or tropical music and some exotic rum drinks and you could be well on your way to a most enjoyable "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to top it off.
"Why," you may say, "would I consider some tiki statue, or waste my time contemplating it?" Actually, unless you're one of those people who really despise them, there are a couple reasons. To begin with, tikis are appealing, in a primitive sort of way. As statuary goes, they are very harsh. It is, regardless, this outstandingly primitive harshness that is a bit of their appeal. Bold in form, yet extreme in their effect, tikis are suggestive of the Polynesian culture from much, much earlier. The riddle and mystique of old locales in charming regions can be overpowering to the imaginative mind.
Polynesian culture brings up another facet of their appeal, -the fascinating history of tikis, and their meaning to the peoples from which they emerged. It is widely considered that tiki statues are artistic representations of "First Man," or the powerful and religiously significant primordial ancestor, himself a deity. The tiki statues then were carved in various forms typically representing the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. If the various gods were pleased with their likenesses, they were said to actually inhabit the sculpture, offering the people strength, power and protection.
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 such an extraordinary measure of things going for them, in such an assortment of different ways, why not consider them? Most tiki-related things are extensively available and not overly expensive, allowing pretty much anyone to partake.
For those do-it-yourselfers, various tiki things can, without too much of a stretch, be made. Undoubtedly, even tiki statues and tiki houses, however requiring a little more work, can be made if one will put in a touch of time and effort.
For those not quite so ambitious, a tiki party might be an easy way to start. A few tiki torches, some island or tropical music and some exotic rum drinks and you could be well on your way to a most enjoyable "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to top it off.
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For more information on the tiki lifestyle and tropical relaxation be sure to read the article "Why Are Tikis Important". You can also find some easy to follow plans detailing how to make your very own miniature tiki torch decorations at gizmoplans.