God of Wealth Day 2026

God of Wealth Day, known as Ngay via Than Tai, is an important festival across many Asian countries, especially in Vietnam. According to folk beliefs, this is the most auspicious day to pray for wealth, good fortune, and prosperity throughout the year. On the 10th day of the first lunar month, people often buy gold for luck, prepare offerings to the God of Wealth, or open their businesses to receive "good vibes" for a successful year

Understanding God of Wealth Day

The worship of the God of Wealth originated in China and spread to Vietnam around the early 20th century, becoming a beloved folk belief that persists to this day.

Origins of the day

There are many legends surrounding the God of Wealth, but the most well-known story explains the origins of this special day. According to legend, there was no God of Wealth on earth, he existed only in the heavens, ruling over money and fortune.
One day, while drinking heavily, the God of Wealth fell from heaven to earth. Wherever he stopped to ask for food, that household became prosperous, and their business thrived. On the 10th day of the first lunar month, the God of Wealth returned to heaven.
In memory of this event, people began to celebrate this day by offering tributes and buying gold, hoping to invite wealth and abundance into their lives for the year ahead, especially for business owners and merchants.
This story has deeply influenced Vietnamese beliefs. From there, the 10th day of the first lunar month is turned into a day for worshipping the God of Wealth, asking for good luck, smooth business, and prosperity.

Significance of God of Wealth Day

God of Wealth Day holds great importance for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. It is an occasion to express gratitude to the God of Wealth for blessings in the past year and to invite new fortune and "good energy" for the coming year. This day symbolizes hope for successful ventures and financial abundance.

God of Wealth is celebrated with the hope of a smooth and prosperous new year

Popular traditions on God of Wealth Day

God of Wealth Day is both a spiritual ritual and a culturally rich tradition in Vietnamese life.

Worshipping God of Wealth

Preparing a respectful and proper offering tray shows sincere devotion and is believed to help attract smooth fortune throughout the year. A traditional offering tray typically includes:

• Shrimp and crab: Representing the water element, these items symbolize luck and prosperity.
• Duck eggs: Represent birds and the sky, symbolizing completeness and good fortune.
• Roast pig: One of the God of Wealth’s favorite dishes, believed to please him and ensure abundant wealth.
• Grilled snakehead fish: Especially popular in southern Vietnam, as a token of gratitude toward nature, believed to bring harmony and good harvests.
• Fresh flowers and fruits: Flowers like yellow chrysanthemums, marigolds, and roses symbolize luck and wealth. Fruit choices include apples, oranges, tangerines, grapes, or a "five-fruit tray."
• Joss paper and incense: Burned after the ceremony to send wishes to the divine realm. High-quality incense is chosen for its purity and pleasant scent.
• Other items: Rice, salt, wine, cigarettes, and other symbolic goods.

The offering tray can be simple or elaborate, depending on the homeowner's conditions and preferences

Buying gold

Buying gold on God of Wealth Day is one of the most anticipated traditions. It is believed that purchasing gold on the 10th day of the first lunar month will bring luck, smooth business dealings, and financial prosperity throughout the year.
Originally, this practice was only popular among small business owners and traders in Ho Chi Minh City, especially among the Chinese-Vietnamese community. Over the past decade, it has become widespread across Vietnam, including Hanoi and other major cities.
Long lines of people queuing from dawn to buy gold have become a familiar sight on this day. Now, not only businesspeople but also office workers and others join in this tradition, hoping to invite good fortune into their lives.

Buying feng shui items

Besides gold, many people purchase feng shui items such as money frogs (three-legged toads holding coins), God of Wealth statues, Earth God statues, or gemstones to place on their altar at home or in the workplace. Merchants often buy Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) figurines on this day, hoping to attract more customers and smooth business operations throughout the year.

Opening for good luck

Wealth Day to officially open or resume operations after Lunar New Year. They believe that the "first sale" on this day will set the tone for a profitable year. A successful first transaction is thought to guarantee steady and prosperous business for the months ahead.

The image of people lining up to buy gold on the Day of the God of Wealth is no longer unfamiliar to the public

God of Wealth Day is more than just a spiritual practice. It’s a cultural tradition deeply rooted in the Vietnamese mindset. This marks a moment of hope, gratitude, and renewal, uniting people from all walks of life in their wish for a better, more prosperous year. If you have the chance to visit Vietnam in the spring, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where faith, tradition, and the excitement of new beginnings beautifully blend!