In our land, overseeing the realm of financial prosperity stands not only the illustrious Marshal Zhao, but also lesser-known deities such as the Wealth-Inviting Child and the Market Benefactor, occupying positions of lower stature and recognition.
The Market Benefactor, a deity passed down through folklore as a minor god of wealth, is known as Yao Shaosi, a disciple of Marshal Zhao. In the epic “Investiture of the Gods,” he is bestowed the title of the Market Benefactor, heralding prosperity and abundance. “Market” here connotes good fortune and auspiciousness in colloquial language, also referring to the profits gained from transactions. The Market Benefactor is especially favored by merchants, who during the New Year, affix his image on their doors, seeking luck and financial success.
The Market Benefactor, one of the Five Path Gods, is a minor deity handed down through folklore, a disciple of Marshal Zhao named Yao Shaosi, ennobled as the Market Benefactor in the “Investiture of the Gods.” “Market” in common parlance signifies luck and prosperity, also referring to profits from commerce. The Market Benefactor is highly esteemed among merchants. In modern times, particularly during the New Year, some individuals, especially merchants, affix images of the Market Benefactor on their doors, often accompanied by the Wealth-Inviting Child, with couplets inscribed: “Wealth-Inviting Child arrives, Market Benefactor comes,” symbolizing abundant wealth and auspiciousness.
Harmony Wealth Deity
The “Harmony Pair of Immortals” were originally not wealth deities, but rather gods of joy, embodying the concept of “harmony begets wealth.” Over time, in folk tradition, the deity associated with marriage transformed into one of reunion, eventually evolving into a deity of wealth. The Celestial Wealth Deity Liu Haichan
Liu Haichan, originally named Liu Hai, was a figure of the Five Dynasties period, hailing from Yanshan (present-day Beijing). He once attained the rank of Jinshi in the Liao Dynasty and later served as the Prime Minister, assisting Yanzhao’s ruler Liu Zongguang. He was deeply versed in the teachings of Huang-Lao philosophy. Later, he renounced his official position, adopted the name Liu Xuanying, and was known as Haichan Zi, having been initiated under the tutelage of Lü Dongbin. Emperor Shizu Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty honored him with the title “Haichan, the Enlightened One of Profound Understanding and Dao,” while Emperor Wuzong bestowed upon him the title “Haichan, the Enlightened One of Profound Understanding and Pure Support of the Imperial Dao.” Liu Hai gained fame with the Daoist epithet “Chan,” and the legend of “Liu Hai Frolicking with the Golden Toad” elevated him to the throne of the Wealth Deity. According to legend, the Golden Toad spews forth golden coins, and wherever Liu Hai went, he scattered money to relieve the poor, thus earning the epithet “The Living Wealth Deity.”
The Assistant Deity of Lucrative Markets
The minor Wealth Deities primarily include the Assistant Deity of Lucrative Markets, the Beckoning Wealth Child, Liu Hai, and the Harmonious Wealth Deity. These wealth deities often appear in the form of children, often depicted holding a treasure plate or carrying ingots, ruyi scepters, and other auspicious items, hence their appellations.
In traditional depictions of wealth deities, the Assistant Deity of Lucrative Markets is often portrayed, and people also pay great homage to this minor wealth deity. According to records, the Assistant Deity of Lucrative Markets was the disciple of the Great Wealth Deity Marshal Zhao, named Yao Shaosi, and was appointed by Jiang Ziya as the Assistant Deity of Lucrative Markets to usher in auspiciousness and blessings. The term “Lucrative Markets” implies good luck and prosperity, particularly in terms of profits gained from business transactions. The veneration and worship of Li Shi Xian Guan were prevalent among the common people during the Song Dynasty. The “Tong Su Bian” cited Xia Wenyan’s “Tu Hui Bao Jian,” stating: “Song Jiahe was fond of depicting Li Shi Xian Guan, with an unparalleled demeanor that surpassed common artisans.” By the time of the Yuan Dynasty, the populace also worshipped the consort deity of Li Shi Xian Guan, known as “Li Shi Xian Po.” The “Tong Su Bian” quotes “Yu Yu Tan Zhuan” saying: “Among the populace, many worship an old lady, known as Li Shi Po Guan.” Li Shi Xian Guan was revered by the common folk and held in devout reverence, particularly by businesses. “The Complete Book of Dispelling Superstition” recounts the beliefs and adoration of him among the common people in recent times, stating: “It is commonly believed that Li Shi Xian Guan is a deity that brings wealth. In the northern regions of our country, every Lunar New Year, it is customary to affix Li Shi Xian Guan’s image on doors to seek good fortune, a practice especially prevalent among merchants.”
