Firecrackers go off, incense is burned and sacrifices are made today to celebrate the birthday of the God of Wealth Zhao Gongming and to pray that he showers people with riches.
Chinese businessmen, always concerned about pleasing the money god, will probably be especially devout. The god is said to be in a good mood on his birthday and thus especially receptive to requests for largesse.
Around China, there will be temple fairs, drumming, regional opera, chanting and rituals in temples.
People believe that the more hospitality they show, the better the chances that the God of Wealth will enter their houses, hear their prayers and stay for a while.
Actually, there are six gods of wealth, but Zhao is one of the best known, born on the 15th day of the third month on the Chinese lunar calendar. Zhao is typically depicted in statues and paintings as a warrior with a black face and beard, wearing armor, riding on a black tiger and holding a silver whip in his hand. This is the image that is commonly worshipped.
He is one of the three martial gods of wealth who not only bring wealth to believers but also fend off base people, monsters and bad spirits. The other two are Guan Yu and Zhong Kui.
The three civil gods of wealth are typically depicted as gentle officials who offer more help in wealth acquisition. They are Li Guizu, Fan Li and Bi Gan.
Local villagers climb mountains to get relief supplies
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