The Chinese gods of wealth are a group of deities in Chinese folk religion and Taoism who are invoked to bring financial prosperity, success in business, and good fortune. The most prominent among them is Cai Shen (Ts’ai Shen), but there are multiple wealth gods, including the Civil God of Wealth, the Martial God of Wealth, and the Five Road Gods, each with distinct origins and roles.
Who Is Cai Shen?
Cai Shen (财神, Cáishén), literally “Wealth God,” is the collective name for several deities associated with wealth. In popular worship, Cai Shen is often depicted as a majestic figure in red robes, holding a gold ingot or a staff, sometimes riding a black tiger. He is especially honored during the Chinese New Year, when families place his image in their homes or businesses to invite prosperity for the coming year.
The most widely recognized Cai Shen is Zhao Gongming (赵公明), who is considered the Martial God of Wealth. According to the Ming dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi), Zhao was a general who, after his death, was deified and appointed to oversee wealth and fortune. However, his origins predate that novel; he appears in earlier Taoist texts as a deity who controls plagues and evil spirits.
The Civil and Martial Gods of Wealth
Chinese folk religion divides wealth gods into two main types: the Civil God of Wealth (文财神, Wén Cáishén) and the Martial God of Wealth (武财神, Wǔ Cáishén). This distinction reflects the different ways people sought wealth in traditional China—through scholarship and bureaucracy versus through warfare and commerce.
- Civil God of Wealth: The most prominent is Bi Gan (比干), a virtuous minister from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). According to legend, he was killed by the tyrant King Zhou, but his heart was so pure that he became a deity. He is depicted in official robes, holding a scroll or a scepter, symbolizing wisdom and honesty as the path to wealth.
- Martial God of Wealth: Zhao Gongming is the primary martial wealth god. He is often shown in armor, holding a whip and a gold ingot, with a black tiger at his side. His martial aspect is associated with protection and decisive action in business.
Some traditions also include Guan Yu (关羽), the famous warrior from the Three Kingdoms period, as a wealth god. Guan Yu is primarily a god of loyalty and brotherhood, but in the business world, he is worshipped as a protector and a bringer of wealth, especially in southern China and among overseas Chinese communities.
The Five Road Gods
Another important group is the Five Road Gods (五路神, Wǔlùshén), also known as the Five Wealth Gods. They are believed to govern the five directions (north, south, east, west, and center) and are thought to bring wealth from all directions. Their worship is particularly popular in the Jiangnan region (south of the Yangtze River).
The Five Road Gods are often identified with five brothers, but their names vary by region. In some accounts, they are associated with the historical figures of the Five Sworn Brothers from the novel Investiture of the Gods. During the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, many businesses hold ceremonies to welcome the Five Road Gods, a practice known as Jie Cai Shen (接财神, “Welcoming the God of Wealth”).
Other Wealth Deities and Associated Figures
Beyond Cai Shen and the Five Road Gods, several other deities are associated with wealth in Chinese culture:
- Guan Yin (Guanyin): The Bodhisattva of Compassion is not a wealth god per se, but she is often invoked for general blessings, including financial relief.
- Mazu: The goddess of the sea is worshipped by fishermen and sailors, who depend on her for safe voyages and bountiful catches, which translates to wealth.
- Fu, Lu, Shou: These three star gods represent Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity. Lu Xing (禄星) is specifically associated with official salary and prosperity.
- Liu Haichan: A Taoist immortal often depicted with a string of coins and a three-legged toad. He is considered a minor wealth deity in some traditions.
How to Worship the God of Wealth
Worship of the wealth gods is most intense during the Chinese New Year, especially on the fifth day of the first lunar month, which is considered the birthday of Cai Shen. On this day, families and business owners perform rituals to welcome the god into their homes and shops.
- Clean the house: Before the new year, homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck. On the fifth day, some people avoid cleaning to not sweep away the newly arrived wealth.
- Set up an altar: A table is placed facing the door or the direction of the year’s lucky orientation. It holds an incense burner, offerings of fruit, tea, and sometimes roasted pork or chicken.
- Offer incense and prayers: Devotees light incense and bow three times, reciting prayers for prosperity. Some also burn spirit money (joss paper) to send wealth to their ancestors or to the gods.
- Display the image: A picture or statue of Cai Shen is placed in a prominent spot, often in the living room or business office, facing the entrance.
In businesses, a small altar is often set up in the shop or office, and offerings are made on the second and sixteenth day of each lunar month, which are traditional days for honoring the Earth God and the God of Wealth.
Regional Variations and Misconceptions
Worship of wealth gods varies significantly across China and among overseas Chinese communities. In northern China, Zhao Gongming is more commonly worshipped, while in the south, Guan Yu is often favored. In Hong Kong and Guangdong, the god of wealth is sometimes identified with Guan Di (another name for Guan Yu).
A common misconception is that there is a single “Chinese God of Wealth” like a monotheistic deity. In reality, the concept is fluid, and multiple deities and historical figures have been deified as wealth gods. Another misconception is that worship guarantees wealth; in traditional belief, the gods only bless those who work hard and act morally. The Civil God of Wealth, in particular, emphasizes honesty and integrity as prerequisites for prosperity.
The Role of Wealth Gods in Modern Times
Despite modernization, the worship of wealth gods remains widespread in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Chinese communities worldwide. During Chinese New Year, images of Cai Shen are ubiquitous—on posters, red envelopes, and even digital greetings. Many people, including young professionals and entrepreneurs, still perform small rituals, such as offering incense or displaying a Cai Shen image in their workplace.
The wealth gods also appear in popular culture. For example, the character of Cai Shen is often featured in Chinese New Year television specials and animated films. In 2023, the Chinese animated film Deep Sea incorporated themes of fortune and mythology, though not specifically centered on Cai Shen. This cultural persistence shows that the wealth gods are not just relics of the past but active elements of contemporary Chinese identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main Chinese god of wealth?
The main god of wealth is Cai Shen, but there are several forms. The most common is Zhao Gongming, the Martial God of Wealth, and Bi Gan, the Civil God of Wealth. In practice, many people simply refer to any of these as “Cai Shen” and worship them interchangeably.
When is the God of Wealth’s birthday?
The fifth day of the first lunar month is widely celebrated as the birthday of Cai Shen. This day is marked by firecrackers, offerings, and special prayers to welcome the god into homes and businesses. Some regions celebrate on different days, such as the second day of the new year, but the fifth is the most common.
Can women worship the God of Wealth?
Yes, absolutely. Worship of wealth gods is open to everyone regardless of gender. In traditional practice, the head of the household, whether male or female, may lead the offerings. Many women own businesses and regularly honor the wealth gods.
Is Guan Yu a god of wealth?
Yes, Guan Yu is widely worshipped as a wealth god, especially in southern China and among businesspeople. He represents loyalty, righteousness, and protection, which are seen as essential for successful business relationships. His role as a wealth god is more about safeguarding wealth than attracting it.
Do I need to be Chinese to worship the God of Wealth?
No, Chinese folk religion is open to anyone. Many non-Chinese people who practice Taoism or Chinese folk religion also honor the wealth gods. However, it is important to approach the worship with respect and understanding of its cultural context.
What offerings are appropriate for the God of Wealth?
Common offerings include incense, fresh fruit (especially oranges and apples), tea, wine, and sometimes cooked meat like chicken or pork. Some people offer gold paper ingots or spirit money. Avoid offering fish, as the word for fish (鱼, yú) sounds like “surplus,” but it is not a traditional offering for wealth gods; it is more common for ancestral rites.
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