The Legend and Significance of the God of Wealth’s Birthday
According to folklore, the God of Wealth is a celestial deity who governs wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. He is believed to bestow financial blessings and luck upon those who pay homage to him. Buying gold on this day is a popular tradition, with many hoping to attract prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.
Legend has it that, once upon a time, there was no God of Wealth on Earth. The deity in charge of money and fortune lived in the heavens. One day, while drinking and reveling, he became so intoxicated that he fell from the sky, landing on Earth with a bump on his head that left him unconscious. A passerby, mistaking him for a drunk actor, stripped him of his clothes and sold them.
When the God of Wealth awoke, disoriented and without any possessions, he could not recall who he was due to the blow to his head. He began wandering the Earth as a beggar, relying on the kindness of strangers for sustenance. One day, he stumbled upon a struggling restaurant selling roasted meats. The owner took pity on him and offered him a meal. Miraculously, from that day on, the restaurant began to thrive, with customers flocking to it in droves. Convinced that the beggar had brought them good fortune, the owner invited him to dine at the restaurant every day. Over time, the surrounding businesses dwindled while this restaurant flourished, always bustling with customers.
Three Things to Do on the God of Wealth’s Birthday
1. Clean the God of Wealth’s Altar
It is customary to thoroughly clean and organize the altar dedicated to the God of Wealth. Prepare a small basin specifically for this purpose, and use a mixture of clean water and either alcohol or pomelo leaves to cleanse the statues of the God of Wealth and the Earth God.
2. Open Your Doors to Welcome Wealth
On the morning of the 10th day of the first lunar month, it is customary to open all the doors of your home, especially the main entrance, to invite wealth and prosperity. After offering incense, the rice and salt are put away, and the water is splashed from the outside of the house inward. This ritual symbolizes inviting wealth into your home while preventing it from leaving, thus retaining your fortune.
3. Offerings to the God of Wealth
For business owners seeking prosperity and success throughout the year, it is essential to prepare a thoughtful offering to the God of Wealth, with the specific items varying according to local customs. After cleaning the altar, prepare a feast for the God of Wealth, which may include roasted pork, chicken, fruits, and daily beverages. It is crucial to avoid using artificial flowers and fruits, opting instead for fresh and vibrant produce. Ensure that your attire during the ceremony is clean and tidy.
According to popular belief, the God of Wealth particularly enjoys crab, roasted pork, and ripe bananas. In some regions, people also offer grilled snakehead fish or roasted meat. In Southern Vietnam, a dish called “tam sên” is included, which consists of boiled pork, eggs, and shrimp.
Enhancing Your Wealth with Feng Shui
The God of Wealth’s birthday is considered an auspicious day to purchase Feng Shui items or gold and silver, as it is believed to bring economic growth. Many people flock to buy gold on this day, hoping to attract good fortune and prosperity throughout the year.
This information is for reference only