When to Receive The God of Wealth in 2024 (接财神）
Published: 1 Dec 2023
The God of Wealth is one of the deities commonly worshipped by the Chinese. People believe that the God of Wealth shall bestow great fortune to those who worship sincerely.
During the festive season, welcoming the God of Wealth is one of the important new year customs in addition to having a reunion dinner, and visiting loved ones. People hope that life will flourish with great prosperity under the blessings of the God of Wealth.
The God of Wealth will arrive on the 1st day of the 1st Lunar Month (10/02/2024) from the Southeast (135°). The best time for reception is at 23:40hrs on 09/02/2024. People whose zodiac sign is Dragon or Dog are in conflict with the day that the God of Wealth arrives, and hence are not recommended to participate in the ceremony.
What You Need to Know about The Reception of The God of Wealth in A Traditional Way
- The God of Wealth incense papers are available at all incense shops. The portrait of the God of Wealth should be pasted at an appropriate position and not on the bathroom door, near garbage bins or female apparels.
- Ideal areas for reception are outside the main door or at the balcony. It can also be done in the house but all clothing must be kept beforehand.
- Long joss sticks are preferred. After prayers, joss sticks must be placed within the incense urn in the house. If there is none, they should be left to burn in the living room.
- Worshippers must take a bath beforehand to show sincerity. The altar table should be cleaned with water and wiped dry. The table should be situated 1, 2, 3, 8 or 9 feet away from the main door, but there is no restriction if the ritual is performed at the balcony (windows must be opened) or HDB corridor. It should preferably face an open space.
- It is best to present the “God of Wealth Wish Card” with your name, age, address and wish written on it when you offer your respects to the God of Wealth. Write “甲辰年值年财神恩赐” on the top right-hand corner of the card and “治子” or “信女” followed by your name on the bottom left-hand corner. This card should be burnt together with incense papers, which is best done outside your house.
- After reception, you must walk backwards upon entering the house. While you proceed to paste the portrait of the God of Wealth, it is best to take 3 or 8 steps. Other options include 13, 23, 33 or 18, 28 or 38 steps.
- Regardless of whether there are other deities in the residence, last year’s God of Wealth portrait should be burnt together with some incense papers before reception.
Time and Ceremony for The Reception of The God of Wealth in A Traditional Way
- 2300 hrs: Have a bath to cleanse yourself.
- 2315 hrs: Pay respects to the deities that you worship in the house and the God of Heaven [天公] (if applicable).
- 2330 hrs: Arrange the items needed for worshipping.
- 2340 hrs: Make a wish and seek blessings with joss sticks. All family members may do so except those whose zodiac signs are in conflict.
- 0015 hrs: Display the portrait of the God of Wealth at the instructed position. Place the joss sticks in the incense urn at home. If there is none, leave them to burn in the living room.
- 0040 hrs: Burn the incense papers in a container in front of the main entrance.
Offerings for The Reception of The Reception of The God of Wealth
Prepare the offerings for the reception of the God of Wealth. These include: 3 types of sweet cakes; Nian Gao [年糕], Jin He [进合] and Fa Gao [发糕], 5 types of fruits (bananas, oranges, pears, snow pears, longan and pineapple), 6 vegetarian dishes (based on personal preference), 5 cups of Chinese tea, 1 large steamed bun [大包] and 5 cups of white rice wine.
You should also get ready 1 set of the God of Wealth incense papers and his portrait. These are generally available at the incense shops.
How to receive the God of Wealth in A Modern Way?
The offerings are the same as the traditional way to receive the God of Wealth, and it is best to carry out the reception of God of Wealth either outside of the main entrance or at the balcony. The altar table should be cleaned with water and wiped dry before the ceremony. Worshippers should also take a bath first to show respect and sincerity.
Alternatively, you may also receive the God of Wealth using your mobile phone this year! Download the God of Wealth image here, and set it as your phone wallpaper on 9 February 2024 at 2340 hrs. Position your mobile phone such that it is facing the Southeast (135°) and offer your respects to the God of Wealth. However, if the Southeast position is blocked by a wall, you will have to head downstairs to receive the God of Wealth.
