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Wealth and Prosperity: Invoking the Deity of Abundance Without an Ancestral Altar

A shrine to the God of Wealth is usually set up at companies or business addresses and is not commonly found in regular households. So who will assist in bringing prosperity to these families?

Administrator

24 February, 2024

God of Wealth, or Than Tai, is a deity revered in many cultures, from China to India, Tibet, and Vietnam. This god is believed to bestow fortune and prosperity upon businesses and individuals, leading to thriving careers, booming sales, and abundant wealth.

In companies, shops, and hotels, you’ll often find an altar dedicated to the God of Wealth, who is believed to bring financial success. However, in Vietnamese homes, there is typically no separate altar for this deity. So, do families have a different deity to oversee their finances and bring prosperity, luck, and career advancement?

The God of Wealth in Homes vs. Businesses

The God of Wealth worshipped in businesses is specifically associated with financial success in commerce and trade. Legends and myths surrounding this deity vary across cultures. In Chinese folklore, the God of Wealth is often associated with the god who manages the heavenly storehouse, bringing prosperity to businesses. In Vietnam, the God of Wealth is often worshipped alongside the God of the Land (Ong Dia or Thổ Địa), who governs the land and real estate.

In Vietnamese homes, especially those not engaged in business, the God of the Land is usually worshipped on the family altar. This altar often contains multiple incense bowls dedicated to different deities, including the God of the Land. Also known as the Earth God or Thổ Địa, this deity governs the land, crops, and possessions of the family. By worshipping this god, families believe they can maintain their wealth and prosper in their endeavors.

Therefore, while the God of Wealth is not given a separate altar in Vietnamese homes, the God of the Land serves a similar function, bringing prosperity and overseeing the family’s finances and possessions.

Rituals and Offerings for the God of Wealth at Home and in Business

Both deities mentioned above are believed to bring good fortune and health to their devotees. However, the God of Wealth in businesses is specifically associated with commercial success, while the God of the Land in homes governs the land and possessions. As a result, the rituals and offerings for these two deities differ.

In homes, the God of the Land is usually worshipped alongside the family ancestors. In contrast, the God of Wealth in businesses has a separate altar. Offerings made to the God of the Land in homes are typically similar to those made to the ancestors, including sticky rice, chicken, fruits, betel and areca nuts, and wine. On the other hand, the God of Wealth in businesses has a particular fondness for roasted meat and garlic, which are not commonly offered at the family altar and may even be considered taboo there.

When worshipping the God of the Land at home, families are essentially asking for blessings for their land and home, praying for good health, and seeking financial success in their endeavors. They believe that the God of the Land will help them retain their wealth and bring good luck to their household.

This information is for reference only.

Frequently asked questions

The God of Wealth, or Than Tai, is a deity worshiped across various cultures, including China, India, Tibet, and Vietnam. Believed to bestow fortune and prosperity, this god is associated with thriving careers, booming sales, and abundant wealth.

Businesses, shops, and hotels often feature an altar dedicated to the God of Wealth, seeking financial success. In Vietnamese homes, however, there is usually no separate altar for this deity.

While the God of Wealth is not given a separate altar in Vietnamese homes, the God of the Land (Ong Dia or Thổ Địa) serves a similar function. This deity governs the land, crops, and possessions of the family and is believed to bring prosperity and oversee finances.

The God of Wealth in businesses is specifically associated with financial success in commerce and trade. On the other hand, the God of the Land in homes governs the land and possessions, and is worshiped for maintaining wealth and bringing good luck to the family.

The God of the Land is usually worshiped alongside family ancestors in homes, with offerings similar to those made to the ancestors, such as sticky rice, chicken, fruits, and wine. In contrast, the God of Wealth in businesses has a separate altar and particularly enjoys roasted meat and garlic, which are not commonly offered at family altars.

When worshiping the God of the Land, families seek blessings for their land and home, good health, and financial success. They believe that this deity will help protect their wealth and bring good luck to their household.