Rituals and Offerings for Cai Shen

Cai Shen, also known as Tsai Shen, Zhao Gongming (Chao Kung-ming) or Bi Gan (Pi-kan), is the Chinese God of prosperity and wealth.

Cai Shen used to be known as a Chinese folk hero. But Chinese followers and admirers deified and venerated him. Taoists and Pure Land Buddhists also venerated him as a god.

Cai Shen's name is often invoked during the Chinese New Year celebrations. He is often depicted riding a black tiger and holding a golden rod called yuanbao. He may also be depicted armed with any one of several iron weapons.

Legend says that every lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), Cai Shen descends from the heavens to look over his followers. Thus, as a ritual, believers offer incense to invite him into their homes. This is done early in the morning.

Another ritual for believers is serving dumplings during Chinese New Year. Dumplings resemble ancient ingots (nuggets or bars) of precious metal and serving dumplings is often thought of offering gold.

Believers say Cai Shen leaves for heavens on the second day of the Chinese New Year, after receiving the offerings. To see him off, people burn Joss paper, also known as gold paper, to wish for a lucky and prosperous year.