Thần Tài Day is one of the most significant celebrations in Vietnamese culture, observed every year on the tenth day of the first lunar month. This day is dedicated to Thần Tài, the god of wealth and prosperity, whom the Vietnamese honour with the hope of attracting fortune and success in business and daily life.
Origin and Meaning
The tradition of Thần Tài has deep roots in Vietnamese folklore and is closely tied to the belief in protecting wealth and good luck. According to legend, Thần Tài blesses those who honour him with material wealth, professional success, and financial stability. For this reason, businesses, restaurants, and homes prepare carefully for this day, decorating altars and offering tributes.
How It Is Celebrated
On Thần Tài Day, it is common to see:
- Offerings on altars: fruits, flowers, incense, symbolic money, and sometimes traditional sweets.
- Purchase of gold or small ingots: Many believe that buying gold on this day brings good luck and increases prosperity throughout the year.
- Business rituals: merchants perform ceremonies to attract customers and economic success.
Families also share special meals and light incense, creating an atmosphere of respect and hope. The celebration combines spirituality, tradition, and the desire for prosperity, reflecting how the Vietnamese integrate their beliefs into everyday life.
Modernity and Social Media
Today, Thần Tài Day is also widely shared on social media with hashtags like #ngayviathantai, #viathantai, or #thanhcongcungtony, where people show their gold purchases, decorated altars, and messages of good luck. This practice keeps the tradition alive while adapting to modern digital life.
Conclusion
Thần Tài Day is not only a time for rituals and tradition but also a symbol of hope, effort, and prosperity. Whether at home, in business, or online, this festival remains a reminder of the importance of faith, culture, and the pursuit of success in everyday life for the Vietnamese.