The Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity (known as Tam Đa Phúc Lộc Thọ in Vietnamese) are a trio of deities with a rich history and significance in Vietnamese culture. Over the years, there have been instances where people have arranged these three statues in the wrong order, leading to financial losses and other misfortunes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the meaning of these deities and the proper way to display them to invite fortune and prosperity into your home.
1 Who are the Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity?
The Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, often referred to as “Tam Đa Phúc Lộc Thọ” or simply “Tam Đa”, represent a trio of deities who embody wishes for good fortune, happiness, and health. The concept of these three gods is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, and their statues are displayed in homes to invite blessings and prosperity.
The Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity
The origin of worshipping these three gods dates back to ancient Chinese traditions, and it has since been adopted by many Vietnamese families. Displaying the statues of these three gods is believed to bring about three fundamental blessings in life: good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.
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2 The Significance of the Three Gods
Each of the three gods represents a specific wish and is usually displayed together. They are all depicted with kind faces and joyous smiles.
The Significance of the Three Gods
- God of Fortune (“Ông Phúc”): He symbolizes good fortune, blessings, and filial piety. According to legends, God of Fortune was a highly respected and virtuous official in ancient times who was blessed with many children and grandchildren, all of whom were successful and filial. Displaying his statue is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the family, with obedient and successful children.
- God of Prosperity (“Ông Lộc”): He represents wealth, prosperity, and financial luck. Folklore suggests that God of Prosperity was a high-ranking official in the royal court, known for his eloquent speech. As a result, he was bestowed with abundant wealth by the king. Displaying his statue is believed to bring career advancements, fulfillment of desires, and an influx of wealth.
- God of Longevity (“Ông Thọ”): He symbolizes longevity and good health. Displaying his statue is believed to bestow blessings of long life and good health upon the family, allowing them to enjoy their prosperity and blessings for a long time.
3 The Benefits of Displaying the Three Gods
In the Vietnamese language, the word “Đa” implies abundance and multiplication. Together, the Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity represent an abundance of happiness, a large family with many children and grandchildren, abundant good fortune, robust health, and a long life.
Benefits of Displaying the Three Gods
Additionally, these three gods are associated with the positive energies of the stars Lục, Bạch, and Kim Tinh. Their presence is believed to enhance the auspicious energies of the stars Lục Bạch and Nhất Bạch, bringing about prosperity, career success, academic achievements, longevity, and good health, as well as blessings for children.
4 The Proper Way to Display the Three Gods
- Order: The statue of the God of Fortune should be placed on the right, followed by the God of Prosperity in the center, and finally, the God of Longevity on the left. Arranging them in this order is believed to bring blessings and support in various aspects of life, including successful careers and businesses, obedient and filial children, and increasing wealth.
- Placement: The statues should be displayed in the living room, prayer room, or study and placed in a respectful and clean area to attract positive energies and good luck. The height of the statues should be at least 80cm above the ground, typically placed on a shelf or a cabinet.
- Positioning in the Room: Place the statues behind your seating position to receive their important support, attract good luck, retain wealth, and fulfill your desires.
Proper Placement of the Three Gods
Each placement has a specific meaning and effect:
- Cashier Counter: Invites abundant wealth and a thriving business.
- Study or Office: Brings numerous opportunities and good luck, opening up paths to career success and prosperous business ventures.
- Living Room: Helps ward off negative energies and attracts wealth, leading to a more prosperous life.
5 Important Considerations when Displaying the Three Gods
- Keep the statues in a well-lit area and free from dust.
- Do not place the statues near or inside bathrooms, bedrooms, or on altars.
- Display the three statues together, without any separation or missing statues.
- Avoid placing the statues too low, below 0.8m from the ground. The minimum height, as agreed upon by feng shui experts, should be at chest level or higher.
Important Considerations
- Avoid positioning the statues to face directly towards the main entrance to prevent the escape of wealth.
- If the statues have been consecrated, they must be worshipped and placed according to feng shui principles.
- If the statues are purely for decorative purposes, use a brush to draw a cross (+) under the base of the statues.
- When you no longer wish to display the statues, take them to a temple instead of burning or discarding them in unclean places.
We hope that this article has provided valuable insights into the meaning of the Three Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, as well as the proper way to display them according to Vietnamese cultural beliefs. May your home be filled with good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.