style：Bracelet

Optional Choices：Master’s Blessing +$80

Specification

Size：Diameter 14mm * 15 beads

Material：Glazed Cinnabar

Wearing method:  Bracelet / Pendant

design：The images of the Five Paths God of Wealth from Taoism are carved onto glazed beads, each corresponding to a specific color. These are then complemented with matching red cinnabar beads.

Product Introduction

The Five Paths God of Wealth is a group of deities in Chinese folk belief who preside over wealth, also known as the “Five Paths Deities” or the “Five Directions Gods of Wealth.” They govern the wealth of the east, west, south, north, and center, symbolizing that prosperity comes from all directions and gathers riches from across the world. Below is a brief introduction:

The Five Paths God of Wealth refers to:

1. **Central Path God of Wealth | Zhao Gongming**  

   – Role: Commands the four directional wealth gods, overseeing all worldly wealth.  

   – Depiction: Dark face with a thick beard, riding a black tiger, holding a golden whip.  

   – Origin: In Taoist mythology, particularly from *The Investiture of the Gods*, he is enfeoffed as the “True Lord of the Mystic Altar of the Golden Dragon, Ruyi, and the Orthodox Unity of Dragon and Tiger.” Under his command are four subordinate gods: Zhao Bao (Treasure Attracting), Na Zhen (Treasure Gathering), Zhao Cai (Wealth Inviting), and Li Shi (Prosperity Enhancing).

2. **Eastern Path God of Wealth | Treasure Attracting Heavenly Lord, Xiao Sheng**  

   – Role: Primarily responsible for “attracting treasures” (drawing in precious items).  

   – Depiction: Holds a ruyi scepter or a gold ingot.  

   – Origin: A figure from *The Investiture of the Gods*, he assisted Jiang Ziya and was later deified.

3. **Western Path God of Wealth | Treasure Gathering Heavenly Lord, Cao Bao**  

   – Role: Primarily responsible for “gathering treasures” (collecting rare and valuable wealth).  

   – Depiction: Holds a treasure box or pearls.  

   – Origin: Along with Xiao Sheng, he is a character from *The Investiture of the Gods*, and together they are known as the “Two Immortals of Attracting and Gathering.”

4. **Southern Path God of Wealth | Wealth Inviting Envoy, Chen Jiugong**  

   – Role: Primarily responsible for “inviting wealth” (drawing in money and riches).  

   – Depiction: Holds a wealth-attracting flag or a treasure chest.  

   – Origin: A subordinate of Zhao Gongming, assisting him in managing wealth.

5. **Northern Path God of Wealth | Prosperity Enhancing Immortal Official, Yao Shaosi**  

   – Role: Primarily responsible for “enhancing prosperity” (ensuring smooth business transactions and financial success).  

   – Depiction: Holds a prosperity plaque or a golden abacus.  

   – Origin: A disciple of Zhao Gongming, regarded in folk belief as an auspicious deity who delivers wealth and prosperity.

**Core Symbolism:**

– **Directional Symbolism:** Encompassing all five directions, it symbolizes wealth converging from everywhere, blessing believers with success in business and wealth-seeking endeavors.  

– **Worship Customs:** Traditionally, businesses often welcome the God of Wealth during the Chinese New Year (particularly on the fifth day of the first lunar month, known as “Po Wu”), setting up altars to pray for abundant wealth in the coming year.  

– **Cultural Integration:** The Five Paths God of Wealth integrates Taoist mythology, folk beliefs, and commercial culture, reflecting people’s aspirations for material abundance and societal prosperity.

**Other Interpretations:**

In some regions or traditions, the Five Paths God of Wealth may include different figures such as Guan Yu (the Loyal and Righteous God of Wealth), Bi Gan (the Civil God of Wealth), or Fan Li (the Sage of Business). However, the interpretation of “Zhao Gongming commanding the four directions” is the most widely recognized.

In summary, the belief in the Five Paths God of Wealth reflects the collective pursuit of wealth in traditional Chinese culture, tempered by moral constraints (such as “a noble person loves wealth but acquires it through righteous means”). This belief continues to leave a profound mark on Chinese merchant culture and folk activities to this day.