Each year, the 10th of January sees a rush of people buying gold and preparing offerings, all in the hopes of attracting good fortune and prosperity for the new year. They believe that the God of Fortune will grace them with his presence. But is there a specific reason why this day, and not any other, is chosen for this ritual?
Reference: A guide to performing the traditional ritual
Unraveling the Origin of the God of Fortune’s Birthday
The worship of the God of Fortune, or Than Tai, has roots in Vietnam dating back to the early 20th century. It is centered around a fascinating tale of a god who, as legend has it, fell from the heavens after one too many drinks.
On that fateful day, the God of Fortune overindulged in alcoholic beverages and accidentally tumbled down to earth, sustaining a head injury and losing his memory. He roamed the earth, relying on the kindness of strangers for food. Unfortunately, his clothes were also taken and sold by locals during this time.
However, his luck changed when he encountered a compassionate restaurant owner who offered him both food and shelter. Interestingly, the once-quiet restaurant soon thrived with customers after the God of Fortune’s arrival. Yet, when the owner realized the god was not contributing any work, he was asked to leave, and the restaurant’s fortunes took a downward turn once more.
News of the God of Fortune spread, and soon, many business owners invited him to their establishments, providing him with new clothes and beseeching him to bring them similar luck. Eventually, he recovered his original clothes, and on the 10th day of the first lunar month, he returned to the heavens, donning his hat.
To pay homage to the God of Fortune and invite abundance for the new year, people prepare offerings and perform rituals on this day, which corresponds to the 10th of January on the lunar calendar.
Further Reading: Delve deeper into the traditions – Discover the significance of the date and what to buy
2 Understanding the Significance of the God of Fortune’s Birthday
The God of Fortune’s Birthday holds great importance for many families, especially those running businesses. They prepare offerings and worship the God of Fortune, seeking blessings of prosperity and success for the upcoming year.
In addition to the 10th of January on the lunar calendar, many business-oriented families also opt to perform rituals on the 10th day of every lunar month, requesting continued luck and financial blessings throughout each month.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of the God of Fortune’s Birthday and its cultural significance. If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to share them in the comments, and we will be happy to respond!