正财神赵公明：来历与民间信仰

正财神赵公明：来历与民间信仰 | Zhao Gongming: The Legend and Beliefs of the Primary God of Wealth

来历与演变 | Origin and Evolution

赵公明最早是中国古代神话中的武将，后被道教经典《封神演义》塑造为掌管财富的神灵。传说他本是商朝武将，战死后被封为“金龙如意正一龙虎玄坛真君”，统领“招宝、纳珍、招财、利市”四神，象征财富的四大来源。
Zhao Gongming was initially a military general in ancient Chinese mythology. Later, Taoist texts like Investiture of the Gods portrayed him as the deity governing wealth. Legend says he was a loyal general of the Shang Dynasty who, after death, became the “Divine Marshal of Prosperity,” commanding four assistants symbolizing wealth sources: attracting treasure, collecting valuables, inviting riches, and boosting profits.

从“瘟神”到“财神”：
唐代以前，赵公明曾被视作“瘟神”或“鬼王”。宋代后，因商人祈求商业繁荣，逐渐将他奉为“正财神”，并定农历三月十五为诞辰日。明清时期，随着商业发展，民间对他的崇拜达到高峰。
From Plague God to Wealth Deity:
Before the Tang Dynasty, Zhao Gongming was linked to plagues. By the Song Dynasty, merchants began worshipping him for business success, transforming him into the “Primary God of Wealth.” His birthday was set on the 15th day of the third lunar month, and his popularity peaked during the Ming and Qing Dynasties as commerce flourished.

民间信仰与象征 | Folk Beliefs and Symbols

• 形象特征：赵公明常被描绘为黑面浓须、手持金鞭、骑黑虎，象征威严与力量。
• 职能扩展：除财富外，民间也相信他能驱邪避灾，守护家庭平安。
• 与其他财神的区别：赵公明是“正财神”，代表勤劳致富；而“偏财神”则象征意外之财（如彩票）。
• Appearance: Depicted with a dark face, thick beard, holding a golden whip, and riding a black tiger, symbolizing authority.
• Beyond Wealth: Believed to ward off evil and protect households.
• Role Contrast: As the “Primary God of Wealth,” he represents honest earnings, while “Secondary Wealth Gods” symbolize unexpected gains (e.g., lottery).

对海外华人的意义 | Significance for Overseas Chinese

1. 文化根源的纽带：祭拜赵公明帮助海外华人铭记“勤劳致富”的传统价值观，强化身份认同。
2. 社区凝聚力：在海外寺庙或家中共同祭拜，促进华人团结，尤其在异国传承给下一代。
3. 融合与创新：许多海外社区将祭拜与慈善结合，例如捐赠部分收入，呼应“取之社会，回馈社会”的理念。
4. Cultural Roots: Worship reinforces traditional values like “hard work brings wealth,” strengthening cultural identity.
5. Community Bonding: Shared rituals in temples or homes unite overseas Chinese and pass traditions to younger generations.
6. Blending Traditions: Some communities link worship with charity, donating profits to reflect the spirit of “giving back to society.”

赵公明不只关乎财富，更是中华文化中拼搏与诚信的象征。
Zhao Gongming represents not just wealth, but also resilience and integrity in Chinese heritage.