Expert: Joe McSorley - 7/9/2007

Question
I thought of it as a harmless goodluck superstition.  I don't do it but saw no harm in it.
My boyfriend, an atheist, thinks that for me to think this is okay is as sacrilegious as someone rubbing Jesus's belly for luck.

1) Where did this tradition start?

2) Would a devout Buddhist find it RELIGIOUSLY offensive?

Answer
Hi Carol,
 There's not a lot about this that I can tell you.  I have spent decades around the Chinese and have never seen anyone do this but it is evidently a cultural thing that comes from China.  Another thing, if you look closely at the statue you will see it is of an Asian person, not Indian like Siddhartha the historical Buddha was.  It's not a statue of the Buddha but Hotei, a Chinese 'Buddha' or awakened one who went about giving gifts to children.  
 Buddhism technically is not a religion and is non-theistic.   There is no belief in a god.  I don't think it would offend anyone of any sensibilities but people do get upset over trivial things so I can't speak for them all.
 That's all I can tell you.  Take care,
     Joe