Welcoming Caishen

Caishen, or God of Prosperity, is a popular Chinese deity usually depicted riding a tiger. Devotees pray to Caishen not just for wealth and good fortune, but also for protection.

While Caishen is worshipped in temples and homes all-year round, the deity is usually trotted out as a popular icon during Chinese New Year season. You can say that he is the Chinese version of Santa Claus, because, like the gift-giving man in red, Caishen also dishes out goodies in the form of luck and prosperity.

Devotees of Caishen look forward to ushering the deity into their households during the Chinese New Year. There is a date, time and direction to welcome the deity each year.

In the Year of the Dog 2018, Caishen will arrive from the North, according to Malaysian feng shui master Jessie Lee.

The most auspicious period to receive Caishen is between 11pm on Chinese New Year Eve (Feb 15, 2018) and 1am on Chinese New Year Day (Feb 16, 2018).

For people born in the Tiger Year, Lee says the best period to welcome Caishen is 3am-4.59am on Chinese New Year Day, and for the Rabbit, 5am-6.59am also on Chinese New Year Day.