​"Bringing Luck and Prosperity to the World – The Wealth Child"
In a previous article, we discussed the Five Wealth Gods, including the Shan Tsai and the Wealth Child, belonging to Buddhism and Taoism. Among these well-known deities in the folk tradition, there are five Child Gods, the other three being the Scattering Wealth Child, the Gathering Wealth Child, and the Luck-Bringing Wealth Child. Have you noticed that all five of these deities are associated with "wealth"? It's evident that the desire for prosperity and profit has been a longstanding human trait.
On the twentieth day of the first lunar month, there is the concept of the "Birth of the Wealth-Inviting Child." Many people have heard this name, and it feels familiar, but there is currently no unified account of who this divine being is. This article explores this topic through relevant folk art depictions, divine names, and titles. However, it's essential to distinguish a concept here; the Wealth-Inviting Child is a Taoist or folk deity, not the child attendant to Guanyin Bodhisattva in Buddhism, who is known as the "Shan Tsai."
Legend has it that the Wealth-Inviting Child assists impoverished families in achieving wealth. In one such tale, a destitute family living in hardship encountered a young boy dressed in red while traveling on the road. This young boy happened to be the Wealth-Inviting Child from the Song Dynasty. He asked the head of the household why he appeared so troubled, and the man explained it was due to a lack of money.
The Wealth-Inviting Child advised the man to dig a hole at the entrance of his home and place a stone in it. The man followed the advice, and to his astonishment, the stone had turned into a block of gold the next morning. The man and his family rejoiced, and from then on, they led a prosperous life.
​
​In another legend, a small-time merchant who had been struggling with his business met the Wealth-Inviting Child on the road. He shared his difficulties with the deity, and in response, the Wealth-Inviting Child told him that by planting a red flag at the entrance of his shop, he would attract a considerable number of customers.
The merchant followed the instructions, and as predicted, his business started thriving. Soon, he became a wealthy businessman.
In the folk tradition, people often equate the Wealth-Inviting Child with Chen Jiugong, the Wealth-Inviting Messenger. When depicted as "the door gods," they are inscribed with the phrase, "Messenger of Profit, Child of Wealth Comes." It's clear that the primary focus is on the Child of Wealth's role in attracting wealth and prosperity.
In essence, regardless of the origins of the Wealth Child, people are less concerned with his history and more interested in his role in attracting wealth and fortune. People hope for his blessings to bestow riches and abundant financial resources.