Prosperity and Fortune from The God of Wealth
"Wealth" and "Fortune" - above all else (including "Health"!), the notion of Prosperity and (personal) Wealth is an important attribute folks wish for themselves and others, during the Chinese New Year season. The greeting "Gong Xi Fa Chai" literally breaks down to "Well wishes of the Season" ("Gong Xi") and "Strike It Rich" ("Fa Chai")!
And of course there is a "Fortune God" / "God of Wealth" deity - known in Chinese as Cai Shen / 财神 - all decked out in period wayang-wear, totting an elaborate gold head-dress and a seriously cheesy moustache … eerr… I meant, "distinguished facial hair" (hey, I don't want to be jinxing my own fortunes here … *crosses-fingers*). Check out more images HERE on my FB-album!
This is a recognizable character icon in Chinese mythology and one heck of a popular guy, i must insist! So popular he's manifest unto an Android toy too! (Courtesy of DYZ Plastic and Google / Reviewed HERE) … and as well on tissue boxes and every possible new year lifestyle-paraphernalia or moment in the Eastern realms :)
Regardless, here's wishing everyone reading my humble lil'blog - a WEALTHY and PROSPEROUS New Year in 2012! May your bills not rule your life, and your wallets and bank accounts be bountiful!
