财神节：祈求财富与好运的传统节日 | God of Wealth Festival: A Tradition to Pray for Fortune
农历三月十五是道教的“财神节”，这一节日以祭拜财神赵公明为核心，旨在祈求财富兴旺、事业顺利。对海外华人而言，这一天不仅是传承中华文化的重要时刻，也是与家人朋友共聚、重温传统的契机。
On the 15th day of the third lunar month, Taoists celebrate the “God of Wealth Festival,” dedicated to worshipping Zhao Gongming, the deity of prosperity. For overseas Chinese, it is a day to honor cultural heritage and reconnect with family traditions.
来历与传说 | Origin and Legend
财神赵公明最早见于中国古代神话与道教经典。传说他因忠诚勇猛被封为“金龙如意正一龙虎玄坛真君”，掌管人间财富，麾下四名部将分别象征招宝、纳珍、招财、利市。唐代以后，赵公明逐渐被民间奉为“正财神”，农历三月十五正是他的诞辰日。
Zhao Gongming, the God of Wealth, originated from ancient Chinese mythology and Taoist texts. Legend says he was granted the title “Divine Marshal of the Golden Dragon” for his loyalty, tasked with overseeing wealth. By the Tang Dynasty, he became widely worshipped as the primary wealth deity, with his birthday celebrated on the 15th of the third lunar month.
演变与习俗 | Evolution and Customs
1. 古代祭祀：最初，商人会在财神节闭店祭拜，供奉牲畜、点燃香烛，祈求生意兴隆。
2. 现代传承：如今，人们简化仪式，改为摆放象征财富的食物（如发糕、鱼），并悬挂金元宝装饰。
3. 海外特色：许多华人社区将传统与当地文化结合，例如在寺庙举办祈福会，或组织慈善活动传递“共享财富”的理念。
1. Ancient Rituals: Merchants closed shops to offer sacrifices like livestock and incense.
2. Modern Practices: Families now display symbolic foods (e.g., steamed cakes, fish) and gold ingot decorations.
3. Overseas Fusion: Communities blend traditions with local culture, hosting temple ceremonies or charity events to share the spirit of prosperity.
特色活动 | Festive Activities
- 祭拜仪式：在家或寺庙点燃财神像前的红烛，默念心愿。
- 吃“财气”食物：饺子（象征元宝）、生菜（谐音“生财”）是常见选择。
- 舞狮与庙会：海外华人常举办热闹的表演，传递吉祥寓意。
- 互赠红包：长辈向晚辈赠送“财神红包”，祝福新年财源广进。
- Worship Rituals: Light red candles before Zhao Gongming’s statue and pray silently.
- Lucky Foods: Dumplings (symbolizing gold ingots) and lettuce (sounding like “wealth growth” in Chinese).
- Lion Dances & Fairs: Vibrant performances in Chinatowns worldwide.
- Red Envelopes: Elders gift “wealth packets” to bless the young.
对海外华人的意义 | Significance for Overseas Chinese
财神节不仅是对财富的祈愿，更承载着对家乡文化的眷恋。即使远在异国，许多家庭仍会通过视频连线共同祭拜，或在社区活动中传授孩子传统习俗。这种跨越地域的传承，让中华文化在新时代继续生根发芽。
The festival represents both hopes for prosperity and a cultural anchor. Families abroad may worship via video calls or teach traditions through community events, ensuring Chinese heritage thrives across generations.
愿财神节为全球华人带来福运与团圆！
May the God of Wealth Festival bring fortune and harmony to Chinese worldwide!