In traditional Chinese folklore, the God of Wealth is the god in charge of wealth and is deeply respected and worshipped by people. On the fifth day of the first lunar month every year, the folk have the custom of welcoming the God of Wealth, but in fact, each day in the first month has different customs and meanings. On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, it is also the day to welcome the God of Wealth, and there are rich customs and meanings in the old tradition, which are not only the worship of the God of Wealth, but also the prayer and pursuit of a better life.
1. The origin of the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month
There are various theories about the origin of the eighteenth day of the first lunar month to welcome the God of Wealth. One theory is that this day is the birthday of Zhao Gongming, who is the god of wealth in Taoism, so people will sacrifice and celebrate on this day. Another theory is that this day is the birthday of the God of Wealth, and people pray for the blessing of the God of Wealth on this day, hoping for good fortune and success in the new year. Either way, it reflects people's yearning and pursuit of wealth and a better life.
Second, the custom of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month
1.Worship the God of Wealth.
On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, people go to local temples or homes to worship the god of wealth. Offerings such as fish, meat, fruits, etc., as well as items such as incense sticks, paper money, etc., are usually prepared. During worship, people pray to the God of Wealth for wealth and good luck, while also expressing their gratitude to the God of Wealth. At the end of the service, people take offerings home and share them with their families, symbolizing the arrival of wealth and family reunion.
2.Set off fireworks.
Fireworks are also one of the important customs of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month. People will set off fireworks in temples or open spaces to welcome the god of wealth and ward off bad luck. When fireworks are set off, people also set off firecrackers to show joy and excitement. This custom is not only a worship of the God of Wealth, but also a manifestation of traditional culture.
3.Dragon and lion dances.
On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, there will also be dragon and lion dances in some places. Both dragons and lions are sacred animals in traditional Chinese culture, representing good luck and good luck. Through the dragon and lion dances, people can pray for a successful career and a happy family in the new year. This kind of performance is not only a cultural entertainment activity, but also a kind of inheritance and development of traditional folk customs.
3. The meaning of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first month
1.Pray for wealth.
In the custom of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, the most direct meaning is to pray for wealth. People hope to gain wealth and good luck by worshipping the God of Wealth, setting off fireworks, and dancing dragons and lions. This kind of moral reflects people's pursuit of material life and yearning for a better life.
2.Pray for success in your career.
In addition to praying for wealth, welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month also has the implication of praying for a smooth career. People hope that in the new year, they will be able to work smoothly and have a successful career. This moral reflects the importance of people's career and their desire for success.
3.Pray for family happiness.
In the custom of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, the family is also an important object of prayer. People hope to achieve family happiness and reunion by worshipping the god of wealth and setting off fireworks. This kind of moral reflects people's importance to family and the beautiful yearning for family affection.
Fourth, the significance to modern people
Although modern society has undergone great changes, the traditional custom of welcoming the God of Wealth on the 18th day of the first lunar month is still of great significance. First of all, this custom is a kind of cultural inheritance and development. By participating in this customary activity, people can better understand the connotation and spirit of traditional Chinese culture. Secondly, this custom is a kind of sustenance and solace for the soul. In the fast-paced modern life, people face all kinds of pressures and challenges, and participating in this custom can help people temporarily let go of their worries and stresses and seek peace and tranquility of mind. Finally, this custom is also a manifestation of solidarity and cohesion. In activities such as worshipping the God of Wealth, setting off fireworks, and dragon and lion dances, people can interact with each other, help each other, and celebrate this special day together. This embodiment of unity and cohesion is also very important for the development and progress of modern society.
5. Expectations and challenges in the new era
With the progress and development of society, people's expectations for the traditional custom of welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month are also changing. On the one hand, people hope to gain more wealth and good luck through this customary activity; On the other hand, it is also hoped that this custom will pay more attention to environmental protection and safety issues. At the same time, with the progress of science and technology and the development of society, some traditional customs and activities are also facing new challenges and opportunities. How to combine traditional customs with modern society and make this custom more in line with the needs and development trends of the times is also a problem we need to think about.
VI. Conclusion
Welcoming the God of Wealth on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month is an important custom activity in traditional Chinese culture, which is not only a manifestation of faith and cultural inheritance, but also a kind of spiritual sustenance and comfort. In modern society, we still need to maintain attention and respect for this traditional culture, so that this custom can be inherited and developed. At the same time, we should also combine the needs and development trends of the times to innovate and develop this custom, so that it is more in line with the needs and values of modern society.