Hotei

God of Happiness and Abundance. Known as the laughing Buddha but he is not Buddha. One of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is depicted as a large bellied Buddhist monk holding an Ogii or ceremonial fan and over his back a large sack. He is the Guardian of Children and is often shown with many children around him. He is also the patron saint of Bartenders and Restaurateurs. Whenever one over eats and/or over drinks, one may sometimes jokingly attribute it to Hotei’s influence. He is seen holding a large cloth sack or bag over his back, one that never empties, for he uses it to feed the poor and needy. It includes an inexhaustible cache of treasures, including food and drink.