Chinese Traditional Culture: Cai Shen (the God of Wealth)

In traditional Chinese culture, Cai Shen (the God of Wealth, 财神) is the deity in charge of wealth and commerce, symbolising people’s desire for an affluent life and their prayers for commercial prosperity. The images and names of Cai Shen vary in different regions and belief systems, but the most widely known are the Wen Cai Shen (the Scholarly God of Wealth, 武财神), Bigan, and the Wu Cai Shen (the Martial God of Wealth, 文财神), Zhao Gong Ming, as well as the Five Ways God of Wealth (五路财神). These deities not only represent the accumulation of wealth, but also embody good qualities such as integrity, wisdom and courage, which profoundly influence people’s daily lives and business activities.

China’s folk customs make New Year’s Eve （除夕）  the most lively day of the Spring Festival （春节）.

On New Year’s Eve, people eat dumplings and stay up all night waiting to welcome Cai Shen.

Some people even send Cai Shen to others’ homes, and sacrifices are made to him on the second day of the lunar new year. Nowadays, welcoming Cai Shen on the fifth day of the lunar new year is the most popular.

Bi Gan, the Wen Cai Shen (the Scholarly God of Wealth), was a loyal minister of the Shang Dynasty who was killed by King Zhou for giving honest advice. Later generations respected him as the Wen Cai Shen (the Scholarly God of Wealth).

In folk belief, Bi Gan represents not only fairness and selflessness but also wise financial management, making him an important deity worshipped by businessmen.

Zhao Gong Ming, the Wu Cai Shen (the Martial God of Wealth), was originally the god of plague but later evolved into Cai Shen.

Zhao Gong Ming is often depicted as having a dark face, riding a tiger or lion, and holding a gold ingot or ruyi scepter.

Zhao Gong Ming not only controls wealth but also drives away evil and brings good luck, being regarded as a deity that protects the safety of homes.

The Five Ways God of Wealth includes Zhao Gong Ming, Fan Li, Liu Hai Chan, Li Gui Zu, and Chai Rong, who respectively represent different industries and fields.

During the Spring Festival every year, many places hold grand sacrifices to the Five Ways God of Wealth, praying for prosperity and smooth careers in the new year.