Caishen: The Benevolent Chinese God of Wealth and Prosperity
If you have ever traveled through China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or any Chinatown across the globe, you have likely encountered a jovial figure dressed in crimson robes, holding a golden ingot. This is Caishen (財神), the God of Wealth. He is arguably one of the most popular deities in the Chinese pantheon, transcending religious boundaries to become a cultural symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and the hope for a better year ahead.
While Western mythology often separates spiritual piety from material wealth, East Asian folklore embraces the idea that spiritual harmony can lead to worldly abundance. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding Caishen provides a fascinating window into the values and festivities of the Chinese world.
Origins: A Tale of Two Gods
The identity of Caishen is complex because he is not a single entity. Over centuries of history, several historical and mythical figures have been elevated to the status of “God of Wealth.” Generally, Caishen is categorized into two main types: the Civil God of Wealth (Wen Caishen) and the Military God of Wealth (Wu Caishen).
The Civil God, often identified as Bi Gan, is worshipped by civil servants, office workers, and those seeking promotion or steady income. He represents fairness, impartiality, and honest wealth.
The Military God, typically identified as Zhao Gongming (or sometimes Guan Yu), is favored by businessmen, traders, and those taking risks. He is seen as a powerful protector who can help recover debts, ensure fair business dealings, and guard against economic misfortune. When you see a fierce-looking deity riding a black tiger and holding a steel whip, you are looking at the martial aspect of wealth.
The Legend of Zhao Gongming
Among the various incarnations, Zhao Gongming is the most iconic figure associated with the title Caishen. His story is famously detailed in the classic Ming Dynasty novel, Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods).
According to the legend, Zhao Gongming was a powerful hermit with magical abilities who lived in the Emei Mountains. During the great war between the falling Shang Dynasty and the rising Zhou Dynasty, he was recruited to fight for the Shang. He was a formidable warrior, riding a black tiger into battle and using magical pearls to blind his enemies.
Although he eventually fell in battle, his spirit was deified by Jiang Ziya, the celestial strategist. Zhao Gongming was appointed as the “Dragon-Tiger Altar Deity,” responsible for chasing away plague and, crucially, accumulating wealth and distributing it fairly. He was given four subordinates representing the cardinal directions: the deities of Collecting Treasures, Ushering in Valuables, Attracting Wealth, and Profitability. Together, they form a compass of prosperity, ensuring that wealth flows from all directions.
Modern Culture & Lunar New Year
In modern Asian culture, Caishen is synonymous with the Lunar New Year. He is the superstar of the Spring Festival.
The most significant ritual occurs on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, known as Po Wu. This is traditionally considered Caishen’s birthday. On this morning, businesses reopen, and firecrackers are set off with extra enthusiasm—not just to scare away evil spirits, but to attract the God of Wealth’s attention. It is believed that the louder the bang, the more likely Caishen is to descend.
During the holiday season, people eat jiaozi (dumplings) because their shape resembles ancient gold and silver ingots (yuanbao). “Receiving Caishen” is a common activity where people open their windows or doors at specific auspicious hours to welcome his spirit into their homes. In digital culture, images of Caishen are widely shared as memes and stickers on WeChat and WhatsApp, serving as a modern prayer for a year-end bonus.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking Fortune
If you are traveling in East Asia, seeking out Caishen can be a rewarding cultural experience. Here is how to engage respectfully:
- Identify the Temple: While dedicated Caishen temples exist, he is often found in side halls of larger Taoist or Buddhist complexes. Look for the figure holding a gold ingot or riding a tiger.
- Offerings: Devotees typically offer incense, fresh fruit, or sweet cakes. Unlike some deities who require solemn silence, the atmosphere around Caishen is often bustling and energetic.
- The Golden Touch: In many temples, there is a large golden ingot statue placed before the deity. It is customary to touch the ingot with your hands and then simulate putting the “luck” into your pocket.
- Best Time to Visit: The period during Lunar New Year (January or February) is the peak time. Visit a temple in Hong Kong (like the Man Mo Temple) or Taipei (Guandu Temple) to witness the vibrant atmosphere.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the theological and literary roots of the Wealth Deity, the following texts are essential:
- Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods): This 16th-century Chinese novel is the primary source for the mythology of Zhao Gongming and his deification.
- Soushen Ji (In Search of the Supernatural): An ancient compilation of Chinese legends that touches upon various spirits and deities.
- Note on Regional Texts: While the Japanese texts like the Kojiki or Nihon Shoki detail the origins of Japanese Shinto deities (such as the Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin), the specific figure of “Caishen” (Zhao Gongming) is rooted in Chinese Taoist tradition, distinct from the Japanese wealth god Daikokuten, though they share similar cultural roles in the East Asian sphere.