According to traditional Chinese belief, the God of Wealth is a symbolic deity associated with prosperity and abundance. Many households and businesses display a God of Wealth statue in hopes of inviting good fortune and creating a positive atmosphere.
Traditionally, Wealth Gods are divided into Civil Wealth Gods and Martial Wealth Gods.
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Wealth Gods
There are two main types of Civil Wealth Gods:
Caibo Xingjun (God of Wealth Star)
Caibo Xingjun is traditionally depicted as an elderly man with a long beard, dressed in elegant robes.
He holds a gold ingot in his left hand and a scroll reading "May Wealth Flow In" in his right hand.
According to traditional belief, he represents the Tai Bai Star in heaven and is responsible for overseeing wealth and treasure. For this reason, he has long been honored by people seeking prosperity.
Fu, Lu and Shou (The Three Star Gods)
The Three Star Gods represent three traditional blessings:
- Fu (Fortune): Holds a child, symbolizing happiness and family blessings.
- Lu (Prosperity): Holds a ceremonial scepter, symbolizing career success and wealth.
- Shou (Longevity): Holds a peach, symbolizing health and long life.
Traditionally, only Lu is considered a Wealth God. However, because the three are commonly displayed together, they are often collectively regarded as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
Placing the Three Star Gods in a home's wealth area is traditionally believed to symbolize celebration, abundance, and blessings.
Traditional practice generally recommends that office workers and salaried employees display a Civil Wealth God.
Martial Wealth Gods
There are two common Martial Wealth Gods:
Zhao Gongming
Also known as Zhao Xuantan, Zhao Gongming is traditionally portrayed as a powerful general.
According to traditional belief, he has the ability to subdue negative influences while attracting wealth and business success.
For this reason, merchants in northern China have traditionally favored Zhao Gongming as a business protector.
Guan Gong (Guan Yu)
Guan Gong, originally the historical general Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms period, is respected for his loyalty, righteousness, and courage.
He is also widely honored as a symbol of wealth, protection, and integrity.
Traditional Feng Shui distinguishes between two common forms:
- Red-robed Guan Gong: Traditionally displayed in homes to symbolize protection and peace.
- Colorfully robed Guan Gong: Traditionally displayed in shops or businesses to symbolize attracting prosperity.
Traditional Placement Guidelines
The placement of Civil and Martial Wealth Gods follows different traditional customs.
Civil Wealth Gods
Civil Wealth Gods, including Caibo Xingjun and the Three Star Gods, are traditionally placed facing inward toward the home, rather than facing outside.
Traditional belief holds that this symbolizes wealth entering the household.
Martial Wealth Gods
Martial Wealth Gods are traditionally placed facing outward, either toward the entrance or directly facing the main door.
According to traditional Feng Shui, this placement symbolizes welcoming wealth while also guarding the home or business against negative influences.
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