This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2024) |
Caishen | |||||||||||||||||||
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Traditional Chinese | 財神 | ||||||||||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 财神 | ||||||||||||||||||
Literal meaning | "God of Wealth" | ||||||||||||||||||
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Caishen (traditional Chinese: 財神; simplified Chinese: 财神; lit. 'God of Wealth') is the mythological figure worshipped in the Chinese folk religion and Taoism. He has been identified with many historical figures, viewed as his embodied forms, among whom Zhao Gongming (趙公明, Wade–Giles: Chao Kung-ming; also known as Zhao Gong Yuanshuai 趙公元帥 "Lord Zhao the Marshal"), Fan Li, and Bi Gan.[1] A large temple of Caishen has been built in the 2000s in Zhouzhi, Xi'an, Shaanxi.
Caishen's name is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations.[1] He is often depicted riding a black tiger and holding a golden rod. He may also be depicted with an iron tool capable of turning stone and iron into gold.