It means good luck, wishful thinking and happiness.
Wuxi Afu is the mascot of Wuxi. The image is of a fair, tender and cute fat boy, wearing a red bellyband and smiling. Therefore, this image is also a classic of Huishan clay figurines, a specialty of Wuxi.
Speaking of Dafu, there is still such a folk legend circulating in Huishan. A long time ago, wild beasts were rampant in the Huishan area and harmed children. There was a child named "Shahai'er" who bravely fought fierce beasts and eliminated harm for the people.
In order to commemorate the "Sha Hai'er", people used clay from Huishan to create a brave "Sha Hai'er" image. Later, after continuous processing and creation by artists of all generations, this artistic image that expressed people's yearning for a better life has survived in people's hearts.
The legend of Ah Fu, the clay figurine in Huishan, Wuxi
It is said that in ancient times, Huishan had towering trees and a pair of ferocious beasts would often come down the mountain to hurt people. Later, the family gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, named Ah Fu. Strange to say, ferocious beasts will obey and be very docile when they see Ah Fu, so every household in Wuxi likes to put Ah among the Huishan clay figurines. The one that people are most familiar with and the most loved by the common people is Huishan Da Ah Fu. Speaking of Da Ah Fu, Such folklore is also spread in Huishan. A long time ago, wild beasts were rampant in the Huishan area and harmed children.
There is a child named "Shahaier" who bravely fights fierce beasts and eliminates harm for the people. In order to commemorate the "Sand Boy", people used clay from Huishan to create a brave "Sand Boy" image. Later, through continuous processing and creation by artists of all generations, this artistic image that expressed people's yearning for a better life has survived in people's hearts.