DIY
It is believed that the history of the Laughing Buddha bottle design, known as Budai, was a Chan buddhist monk who lived in China around 1,000 years ago. His name means "cloth sack", and comes from the bag that he is conventionally depicted as carrying. His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of contentment and his image graces many temples, restaurants, amulets, and businesses. He was known to be exceedingly kind and jolly. He was known for carrying many goods all over the world. He would travel around teaching the Dharma to the people and provide them with goodies he collected on his travels. The empty bottles have been known to be used in arts and craft projects such as making vases and lamps. The buddha-shaped bottles have initiated a number of Do it yourself projects, being repurposed into everything from candle holders to soap dispensers.