God of Wealth Festival
Tourist
Discover Spring Festival heritage
Student
Study Spring Festival depth
Worker
Workplace festival culture
Understanding the Deeper Meaning
What makes each festival matter, where traditions come from, and how they change today.
The fascinating stories behind each festival
The origins date back centuries, rooted in ancient traditions, myths, and legends that have been passed down through generations.
Historical Background
God of Wealth Festival (财神节) celebrates the deity who brings wealth and prosperity. Businesses and families honor the Wealth God for good fortune in the coming year.
Why these traditions endure through millennia
This festival matters in Chinese culture. It's about family unity, respecting ancestors, and hoping for good things to come.
How traditions have adapted through centuries
From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, how people observe this festival has evolved significantly over time while maintaining core traditions.
Traditional practices blend with modern adaptations—families may follow ancient customs while incorporating new technologies and contemporary celebrations.
How different regions celebrate differently
China's vast geography means each region celebrates differently, with unique customs, foods, and traditions that reflect local culture.
Regional variations include different foods, timing, and specific customs that make each celebration unique to its location.
The rituals and traditions that define this festival
Important cultural sensitivities to observe
Deep Dive
History, regional differences, and how traditions change today
History & Legends
The God of Wealth Festival (财神节) is celebrated on the fifth day of the first lunar month, the birthday of the Wealth God (财神). This festival is particularly important for businesses and families hoping for prosperity in the new year.
There are several Wealth Gods in Chinese mythology. The most commonly worshipped is Zhao Gongming (赵公明), a Taoist deity who serves as the General of Wealth. According to legend, Zhao Gongming was a mortal general during the Yuan Dynasty who became a powerful deity after his death. He is often depicted riding a black tiger, holding a golden staff, and wearing armor.
Another important Wealth God is Bi Gan (比干), a loyal minister from the Shang Dynasty who was martyred for his honesty. Because of his pure heart and honesty, he was deified as a Wealth God. Offerings to Bi Gan emphasize honest business practices.
A third Wealth God is Fan Li (èŒƒè ¡), a famous businessman from the Spring and Autumn Period who became the Taoist deity of wealth. Fan Li was known for his business acumen and generosity, and is worshipped by merchants as the patron of commerce.
The fifth day of the first lunar month is considered especially auspicious because it marks the beginning of the "wealth period" in the lunar calendar. Businesses often choose this day to reopen after the New Year holidays, believing it sets the tone for the year's prosperity.
Regional Variations
north
**Northern China**: Businesses often reopen on this day with elaborate ceremonies. Offerings include meat, fruits, and joss paper. Red decorations are prominent.
**Beijing**: Temple fairs may feature Wealth God celebrations. Businesses offer special prayers. The day is important for commercial activities.
south
**Southern China**: The festival is particularly important for businesses. Elaborate offerings are made at temples and business premises. Firecrackers and decorations are common.
**Guangdong and Hong Kong**: Businesses reopen with ceremonies. Wealth God temples see increased attendance. The day is considered crucial for the year's business success.
**Fujian and Taiwan**: The festival is celebrated with temple ceremonies. Businesses make elaborate offerings. Cultural performances may accompany celebrations.
east
**Shanghai and Jiangsu**: Businesses reopen and offer prayers. Wealth God decorations are prominent. The day is important for commercial and personal prosperity.
**Zhejiang**: Business communities celebrate with ceremonies. Temple visits are common. The festival has strong connections to local commerce.
west
**Sichuan**: Businesses celebrate with offerings and ceremonies. The day marks the end of the New Year holiday period for many. Traditional customs are observed.
**Other regions**: Various local traditions exist for honoring the Wealth God. The celebration often coincides with business reopenings.
Modern Evolution
Business Focus: - The festival has become increasingly commercial - Businesses use it as a PR opportunity - Banks and financial institutions may hold special events - The day is often used for business planning
Religious Practices: - Temple attendance increases on this day - Some people make elaborate offerings at home - Businesses may hire ritual specialists for ceremonies - The religious aspects remain important to many
Cultural Events: - Some cities organize wealth-related cultural events - Art exhibitions and performances may be held - The festival appears in cultural heritage celebrations - Social media campaigns promote wealth-related content
Changing Attitudes: - Younger generations may observe less formally - Some view it as a cultural tradition rather than religious practice - The business aspects are emphasized in urban areas - Environmental concerns have affected some practices
Common Misconceptions
Wealth God Festival is only for businesses
Reality:
While businesses place particular importance on the festival, families also participate. Many households make offerings to the Wealth God for household prosperity. The festival has both commercial and domestic dimensions.
Worshipping the Wealth God guarantees wealth
Reality:
The festival is about showing respect and making wishes, not guaranteeing results. Traditional teachings emphasize that virtue and hard work are more important than worship. The rituals are expressions of hope, not magical solutions.
You must be wealthy to celebrate
Reality:
The festival is for everyone, regardless of their current wealth status. People of all economic backgrounds participate, making wishes for improvement. The celebration is about hope and aspiration, not existing wealth.
Wealth God Festival is materialistic
Reality:
While the festival involves wishes for prosperity, it also emphasizes honest business practices (especially for the Bi Gan tradition) and generosity. Some Wealth Gods are specifically associated with moral virtues, not just material wealth.
The festival must be on February 5th
Reality:
Wealth God Festival falls on the fifth day of the first lunar month, which varies between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. The lunar date is what matters, not the Gregorian equivalent.
Continue Your Learning Journey
Explore more ways to learn about God of Wealth Festival