Why the Three-Legged Toad Is a Powerful Feng Shui Charm for Wealth
The three-legged toad is a well-known figure in traditional Chinese culture. Even today, its image often appears in our daily lives—whether in jade carvings, tea set ornaments, or even on shop counters, this unique creature with three legs is still commonly seen. But what exactly is the deeper meaning behind the three-legged toad?
According to legend, Liu Hai, a disciple of the immortal Lü Dongbin, loved to travel the world, subduing demons and helping the people. One day, he encountered a powerful toad spirit that was causing harm to local villagers. To protect the people, Liu Hai used his magic to subdue the creature. During their struggle, the toad lost one of its legs, transforming into the three-legged toad we know today. After being subdued, the toad repented and became Liu Hai’s loyal companion. Using its special ability of holding coins in its mouth to attract wealth, it helped Liu Hai aid the poor and bring prosperity. From then on, the three-legged toad became a popular symbol of wealth and fortune, often called the “Money Toad” or “Fortune Toad.”
In Feng Shui, the three-legged toad is believed to draw in money and abundance. People wear jade carvings of this toad to improve their financial luck, while placing a statue of it in the wealth corner of the home or at a shop’s cash register is said to attract prosperity and ensure a steady flow of wealth. A popular folk saying goes: “Whoever possesses the Golden Toad will surely become wealthy.”