Understanding the Chinese Deity of Prosperity
In the joyous occasion of Spring Festival, it’s common for people in China to greet one another with the heartfelt saying, “May you become rich!” (恭喜发财 gōngxǐ fācái). While this expression is often mistakenly viewed by Westerners as a simple New Year greeting, it is, in fact, a hopeful plea for prosperity in the coming year. The figure to whom this prayer is directed is none other than Cáishén (财神), the God of Wealth.
Who is Caishen?
Caishen embodies a rich tapestry of attributes as a moody yet complex deity associated with wealth. Much like the Christian understanding of God being represented through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Caishen is also revered as an aggregate of nine different divine embodiments. These semi-mythical figures stem from ancient Chinese history and have collectively evolved into various manifestations of him.
As a major figure in Daoism and Chinese folk beliefs, Caishen receives prayers and tributes nationwide, with devotees yearning for a share of the immense wealth he purportedly bestows, often carried by his aides.
If an individual seeks assistance from Caishen, they typically choose an incarnation associated with one of the cardinal directions. For example, when entering into business agreements with Western firms, it is wise to reach out to Cáo Bǎo 曹宝, the western incarnation. On the other hand, if one’s goal is to commence a local enterprise or finalize home construction, invoking Zhào Gōngmíng 赵公明, the center’s incarnation, would be advantageous.
The legends involving these deities are rich and colorful. Zhao Gongming is remembered as a magical hermit who, during the decline of the Shang Dynasty, aided loyal supporters before meeting his end at the hands of an antagonist from the rival Zhou Dynasty. His story culminated in an apology from his slayer and a posthumous promotion as President of the Ministry of Wealth. Similarly, Bǐ Gàn 比干, a virtuous official during the Shang, met a horrific fate; he was executed presumably for urging the monarch towards reform, having his heart removed in a bizarre display of curiosity regarding the sayings of sages.
The diverse manifestations of Caishen cover a broad spectrum of wealth-related themes, including prosperity, luck, gambling, and gold.
The Decline and Resurgence of Caishen
Under the reign of Mao Zedong, the worship of Caishen suffered greatly. Temples and statues dedicated to him were ruthlessly dismantled, effectively diminishing his presence in a society that prioritized communist ideologies over spiritual beliefs. However, following the reforms initiated in 1979, China began to rediscover its cultural roots, positively influenced by interactions with the “Four Asian Tigers” — overseas Chinese communities in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, where Caishen’s veneration continued.
This reconnection led to a quick revival; statuary representations of Caishen began to incorporate international symbolism, such as attire and decorative elements from Southeast Asia and inscriptions of “gongxi facai,” mirroring those found in Hong Kong.
Today, Caishen’s statues are ubiquitous across Mainland China, prominently positioned to welcome patrons as they enter buildings. From the sacred shrines on Tai Shan, renowned for its spiritual significance, to decorative models perched on restaurant ledges or reception desks within prominent companies, Caishen is a constant presence. In several regions, daily incense offerings signal reverence and hope for luck before businesses open for the day.
A Symbol of Hope During New Year Celebrations
The Chinese New Year serves as a particularly vibrant period for Caishen and his myriad avatars. Whether in rural villages or bustling urban centers, individuals pray to Caishen with aspirations for upward mobility. The iconic boat-shaped gold ingots (元宝 yuánbǎo) he is depicted carrying are celebrated, prominently featured on holiday decorations and even on popular snacks such as Oreo cookies.
With a diverse network of businesses deliberating on various economic fronts, the presence of Caishen offers comfort to entrepreneurs. For many, his existence signifies a guardian who can affect fortune favorably.
Alex Colville, a seasoned freelancer, covers an array of topics, with his contributions appearing in esteemed publications like The Financial Times and The Economist.
