According to folk beliefs, the God of Wealth is the god who brings fortune to the family. This year, the Day of the God of Wealth falls on Thursday, February 26th of the solar calendar.
Meaning of the God of Wealth Day
According to the book "Traditional Vietnamese Worship - Rituals and Ritual Practices" (World Publishing House), the legend of the God of Wealth originated from China through the story of Au Minh - Nhu Nguyet. Legend has it that in ancient times there was a merchant named Au Minh, when he passed Thanh Thao Lake, he was given a servant by the water god named Nhu Nguyet. Au Minh brought Nhu Nguyet to raise, and the family prospered, only a few years later they became rich.
Later, on the Lunar New Year, Au Minh beat Nhu Nguyet. Scared, Nhu Nguyet crawled into the trash and disappeared. From then on, Au Minh's family situation declined significantly, and soon fell into poverty.
In folklore, people say Nhu Nguyet is the God of Wealth and set up altars for worship. During the 3 days of Tet Nguyen Dan, people have a custom of avoiding sweeping trash in the house for fear that the God of Wealth will leave.
According to researchers, the custom of worshiping the God of Wealth was introduced into our country from the Chinese community. Compared to the North, Vietnamese people in the South and Central regions worship the God of Wealth more commonly and regularly.
In recent years, this custom has developed widely from South to North and is increasingly popular with businesses and traders in the North, reflecting the trend of business development in our country and the psychology of seeking wealth and fortune that has been deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese mind.
Notes when placing the God of Wealth altar
The altar of the God of Wealth is often placed close to the ground in the corner of the house, in front of the porch or next to the door. The homeowner prays to the God of Wealth every day, hoping to buy good luck and sell well, bringing good luck and fortune.
Usually, people worship the God of Wealth all year round. On ordinary days, the worship ceremony is very simple, with only incense sticks, a cup of water, sometimes a plate of fruit. Especially on the 10th day of the lunar month every month, businesses and traders offer very lavishly, with cakes and a plate of tam sinh.
Especially, on the 10th day of the first lunar month every year, called the Day of the God of Wealth, people prepare offerings very solemnly. There is a whole tray of savory offerings along with fruits, cakes and a plate of tam sinh. On the other hand, the worship ceremony for the God of Wealth and Earth Gods is divided into 2 phases: from January to June of the lunar calendar, offering savory offerings, from July to December, offering vegetarian offerings.
One point that should also be noted is that according to the customs of Southern people, the 10th day of the first lunar month is the land worshiping ceremony and gratitude day to the pioneers.
The Earth God offering tray is a three-life plate (shrimp, crab, boiled duck eggs, boiled pork) and especially grilled snakehead fish. This is originally a rustic, familiar dish of our ancestors from the time of reclamation and establishment of hamlets. And it is also unknown since when the Earth God altar of Southern people has an additional God of Wealth worshiped together. Perhaps this is due to the influence of the customs of Vietnamese people of Chinese origin or because Vietnamese people worship it themselves.
To add, in Hue today there is also the custom of worshiping the earth. Earth worshiping is also known as "tha tho ky yen" ceremony, which is a ceremony to offer to earth gods and subordinate gods, taking place once a year on a good day in February or August of the lunar calendar.
This worshiping ceremony is a form of remembrance and gratitude to the gods and spirits of the "old owners" of the land; praying for their blessings and protection so that life in the new land is peaceful and developed.
Offering tray for the Day of the God of Wealth
Offerings to the Gods of Wealth and Earth often include:
- Shrimp
- Crabs
- Squid
- Boiled duck eggs
- Grilled snakehead fish
- Sometimes add fruits, candies;
- 5 glasses of pure water;
- Golden horses for God of Wealth, Earth God.
Hour of worshiping the God of Wealth 2026
The prime hours for worshiping the God of Wealth on January 10, 2026 include: Tiger hour (03:00 - 05:00), Rabbit hour (05:00 - 07:00), Snake hour (09:00 - 11:00), Monkey hour (3:00 - 17:00), Dog hour (7:00 - 9:00), Pig hour (9:00 - 11:00).
