Open Thread – Things as They Ought to Be.
The first time I ever saw a billiken, I’ll admit to being a little creeped out. I stared at the impish pointy-headed topless pseudo Buddha-like critter, and I wasn’t quite sure if it was friend or foe. So, when I saw this collection of them in the Juneau State Museum, I was a little startled at first, but decided to read up on the billiken. I was pleasantly surprised. Suddenly the vaguely disturbing outer appearance melted away, and I became aware of the wonderful symbology beneath. The billiken, I found out, is the best god ever. Forget Neptune, or…