The God of Wealth is a popular deity in Taoism, worshipped by the Chinese people as the god who brings fortune and prosperity. There are many different versions circulating among the folks.
Zhao Gongming, the Moon God of Wealth, is regarded as the primary God of Wealth. Also known as Marshal Zhao Yuantan, he was said to be from Happy Valley, Shijing'aguquan, Huxian County, Chang'an (now Xi'an, Shaanxi). In Zhengao (a Taoist text), Zhao Gongming was one of the gods of the five directions, specifically a god of the netherworld. Later, in Taoist mythology, he became the guardian deity for Zhang Daoling's cultivation of immortality elixirs. The Jade Emperor conferred on him the title "Marshal of the Orthodox Mysterious Altar" and appointed him to oversee rewards and punishments, lawsuits, disease prevention, disaster exorcism, and to ensure favorable outcomes in business and wealth-seeking. Hence, he was revered by the people as the God of Wealth. His image is depicted with a dark face, thick beard, wearing an iron crown, holding an iron whip, and riding a black tiger, thus he is also called "Black Tiger Mysterious Altar".
In addition to Zhao Yuantan being honored as the "primary God of Wealth", there are also folk beliefs in the "partial Gods of Wealth" (the Five Manifested Gods of Wealth), the "Civil God of Wealth" (the Star Lord of Wealth), and the "Martial God of Wealth" (Emperor Guan, Lord Guan).
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The worship of the Five Manifested Gods of Wealth was popular in areas such as Dexing and Wuyuan in Jiangxi. The five brothers all had titles starting with the character "Xian" (manifested), hence they were called the "Five Manifested Gods of Wealth". During their lifetime, they robbed the rich to help the poor; after death, they continued to punish evil and promote good, protecting the poor and needy.
The "Civil God of Wealth", the Star Lord of Wealth, is also known as the "God of Increasing Fortune and Wealth". His portrait is often painted alongside the Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, as well as the God of Joy, together representing fortune, prosperity, longevity, wealth, and joy. The Star Lord of Wealth is depicted with a white face and long hair, holding a treasure basin in his hands, from which the phrase "attracting wealth and bringing treasures" originates. Some also regard Bigan, a loyal minister of the Yin Dynasty, as the Civil God of Wealth. Folk legend has it that Bigan glared angrily at King Zhou, plucked out his own heart, threw it on the ground, walked out of the palace, and went among the people, distributing wealth widely. Though he had no heart, he did not die because he had taken the magic elixir given by Jiang Ziya. Without a heart, he was impartial and handled matters fairly, thus winning deep love and praise from the people. At that time, merchants under Bigan's influence had no "ulterior motives"; everyone traded fairly, and no one cheated others. Therefore, people revered Bigan, a man who cheated neither the young nor the old, as the God of Wealth, and everyone respected him.
The "Martial God of Wealth" is Emperor Guan (Guan Yu). Legend has it that Guan Yu once managed military postal stations, was adept at arithmetic, and invented daily account books. Moreover, he valued trust and loyalty, so he was worshipped by merchants. Generally, merchants regarded Guan Gong as their patron saint, and he was also seen as the God of Wealth who brings fortune and treasures.
Folk legend says that the fifth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the God of Wealth. So after the first day of the lunar New Year, the next most important activity is to welcome the God of Wealth. On the night before the God of Wealth's birthday, every household prepares a feast to celebrate his birthday.
