THE SYMBOLISM OF WEALTH AND PROSPERITY IN CHINESE CULTURE (2024)

DAY 6 OF CHINESE NEW YEAR | FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS | ATASAN

GOLDEN HARVEST

Wealth and prosperity hold a central place in Chinese culture, with rich symbolism embedded in various customs, traditions, and beliefs. From the auspicious red envelopes exchanged during Chinese New Year to the intricate principles of feng shui, the pursuit of abundance and success is deeply ingrained in Chinese society. This essay delves into the symbolism of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, exploring the historical roots, cultural significance, and contemporary manifestations of these enduring themes.

The symbolism of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture traces its roots back to ancient times, where agricultural societies revered natural elements associated with abundance. The concept of “wealth” (财富, cáifù) encompassed not only material riches but also spiritual and familial well-being. In early Chinese philosophy, harmony with nature and balance in all aspects of life were essential for achieving prosperity.

Red Envelopes (红包, hóngbāo)

One of the most recognizable symbols of prosperity in Chinese culture is the red envelope, or “hongbao.” Traditionally filled with money and given during special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and most notably, Chinese New Year, red envelopes symbolize good luck, blessings, and the sharing of wealth with loved ones. The color red, associated with happiness and vitality, amplifies the auspiciousness of the gesture.

Oranges and Tangerines

Fruits, particularly oranges and tangerines, are prized symbols of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Their round shape and golden color symbolize fullness and wealth. During Chinese New Year celebrations, these fruits are often displayed prominently in homes and exchanged as gifts to wish prosperity and abundance for the coming year.

Gold and Ingots

Gold has long been revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold ingots, shaped like boat-shaped bars, represent abundance and prosperity flowing into one’s life. These symbols are commonly displayed in homes and businesses, especially during festive occasions and important ceremonies, to attract wealth and success.

Fish

In Chinese culture, fish symbolize abundance and prosperity due to their reproductive capabilities and the wordplay associated with the Chinese word for fish, “鱼” (yú), which sounds similar to the word for surplus or abundance, “余” (yú). As a result, fish are often served whole during celebratory meals, with the head and tail intact to symbolize a good beginning and end, representing a surplus for the coming year.

Feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice that emphasizes the harmonious arrangement of space to promote positive energy flow, plays a significant role in enhancing wealth and prosperity. Key principles of feng shui related to prosperity include:

Wealth Corners

In feng shui, certain areas of the home are believed to be auspicious for attracting wealth and prosperity. These “wealth corners” are determined based on the bagua, an energy map used in feng shui. By activating these areas with symbols of abundance such as wealth vases, wealth ships, or wealth trees, practitioners aim to enhance financial success and prosperity.

Water Features

Water is a powerful symbol of wealth and abundance in feng shui. Water features such as fountains, aquariums, or reflecting pools are believed to attract positive energy and wealth chi (qi) into the home or workplace. The direction and flow of water are carefully considered to maximize its auspicious effects on prosperity.

Prosperity Symbols

Various symbols and objects are used in feng shui to enhance prosperity and abundance. These include the laughing Buddha, a symbol of happiness and wealth; the three-legged toad, believed to bring wealth and prosperity; and the Chinese coins tied with red ribbon, representing continuous wealth and abundance.

In Chinese culture, beliefs and superstitions surrounding wealth and prosperity abound, influencing everyday practices and decision-making. Some common beliefs include:

Avoiding Certain Numbers

Certain numbers are considered unlucky due to their hom*ophonic associations with negative concepts. For example, the number four (四, sì) is avoided as it sounds similar to the word for death (死, sǐ), while the number eight (八, bā) is considered extremely lucky due to its similarity to the word for wealth (发, fā).

Opening Windows and Doors on New Year’s Day

On Chinese New Year’s Day, it is customary to open all windows and doors to allow good luck to enter the home while sweeping out any misfortune from the previous year. This practice symbolizes the welcoming of prosperity and abundance in the coming year.

Displaying Lucky Symbols

To attract wealth and prosperity, Chinese households often display various symbols and decorations believed to bring good fortune. These may include images of the God of Wealth (财神, cáishén), auspicious phrases written in calligraphy, and decorative items featuring symbols of prosperity such as the Chinese character for “福” (fu) or the double happiness symbol (囍, xǐ).

While many traditional symbols and customs related to wealth and prosperity remain popular in modern Chinese culture, contemporary manifestations reflect changing societal values and technological advancements. For example:

Digital Red Envelopes

In recent years, the tradition of giving red envelopes has been adapted to digital platforms with the rise of mobile payment apps such as WeChat and Alipay. Through these apps, individuals can send virtual red envelopes containing money to friends and family, maintaining the spirit of generosity and auspiciousness in the digital age.

Luxury Consumption and Status Symbols

With China’s rapid economic development, conspicuous consumption and the display of luxury goods have become increasingly prevalent as symbols of wealth and social status. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Rolex are highly sought after, reflecting aspirations for prosperity and success among the affluent Chinese middle class.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

China’s economic transformation has led to a burgeoning entrepreneurial culture, with a growing number of startups and tech companies driving innovation and wealth creation. Entrepreneurs such as Jack Ma of Alibaba and Pony Ma of Tencent have become iconic figures, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and the potential for immense wealth in the digital age.

The symbolism of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture is multifaceted, encompassing a rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that reflect both historical roots and contemporary influences. From auspicious symbols like red envelopes and gold ingots to the principles of feng shui and modern manifestations such as digital red envelopes and luxury consumption, the pursuit of abundance and success remains a timeless and enduring aspect of Chinese identity. As China continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities in the global landscape, the symbolism of wealth and prosperity will undoubtedly continue to shape and define the cultural fabric of Chinese society for generations to come.