How Vietnamese honor the god of Fortune on his special day.
You have seen this god, right? He usually is wearing a red old time mandarin outfit and is often surrounded by golden bars, which look like small boats, and ancient golden Chinese cash style coins. He is the god of wealth and he is all around Vietnam. Once you see him and know his story, you will see him everywhere.
The God of Wealth Caishen (財神) likely started in China during the mythical Shang Dynasty. This god has spread all over East Asia and goes by different names throughout Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore. The origins of this god are vague, so nearly every region has a different origin story, but there are common themes. He is oftentimes associated with the New Year. He does not punish people, but bestows fortune upon those he favors.
The Vietnamese God of Wealth (Thần Tài) is often depicted with white or black hair and bearded, wearing a happy and benevolent expression while holding either a gold bar or coins in his hands. This bar is not like a western bar of gold and actually resembles a boat, so you may sometimes see a golden boat in decorations or being burnt as part of the new years offerings following the kitchen offerings.
Once you start to recognize this god, you will start to see him everywhere around Vietnam. Special days at jewelry stores, he will be there passing out balloons for the kids. The person selling lottery tickets may be wearing a Thần Tài outfit. You see him in a red outfit typing on his computer from heaven in the beginning of this JustaTee music video.
This deity controls the wealth of the world and is believed to bring prosperity and favor to the host's business. This god sits along with the Earth God at most altars near the entrances of most homes or businesses all around Vietnam. These altars are often accompanied by offerings like a plate of fruit and a vase of flowers on the altar. Daily morning rituals involve burning incense and offering water. Special offerings are offered on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar calendar. The God of Wealth's special celebration day falls on the 10th day of the first month of the lunar calendar which is February 19th of this year. It's a time when people typically buy gold to attract good fortune.
The story of the God of Wealth's special celebration starts as he was living in heaven. The Wealth God, in a state of intoxication, tumbled down to earth, losing his memory and identity. Aimlessly wandering and distressed, he begged for a chance to endure the day. Encountering a compassionate shop owner, he was welcomed in and treated to a substantial meal. Remarkably, the previously desolate shop suddenly thrived with customers as the old beggar entered, prompting the owner to retain him to increase his business. Subsequently, the beggar regained his recollection and ascended back to heaven. The God of Wealth, thinking favorably upon the kindness he had received from this shop owner bestows special favor to people on the anniversary of his ascension back to heaven, commemorating this act of kindness. It is believed that anyone who buys gold on that day will receive fortune throughout the year.
so interesting-wish i had paid more attention at the circle K!